Joe Harrison

Joe Harrison

Joe V. Harrison, of Greystone community, went to be with the Lord one week past his 96th birthday on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Brookdale Assisted Living.

He was the son of the late Lamon and Ruth Harrison and had seven siblings.

He was a 1948 graduate of Camp Creek High School with sports interests in basketball and baseball. Baseball interests continued with many local teams as well as all star teams. He excelled in his position as a center fielder and spent many happy days golfing with buddies. He and his brother Reiben became avid South Greene Lady Rebels basketball fans and enjoyed watching winning teams. They were familiar faces at many of the games. Joe's love of outdoors led him to bird hunting, fox races, and running a "paper race" was one of his fondest memories. With a multi-faceted personality, Joe was reported to be a musical giant. He was descriptive in the biblical sense that he "played skillfully on his instruments" as well as having a beautiful tenor voice. He was a masterful musician versed in several instruments. Skilled in the art of shaped note singing, he loved singing schools and often reminisced about the memories of past days. His musical heritage led to his success with both sides of his family having music and singing abilities. He enjoyed "jamming" with his family groups in earlier years and as his friendships expanded, so did his expertise, and a huge array of friendships resulted. Hosting bluegrass pickins in his home enjoyed by family and friends. He mentored many aspiring bluegrass pickers who are now enjoying success in the field of bluegrass and gospel music calling him "friend".

He was a US Army veteran, serving in Germany and retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 35 years of service. The success of his military career was also part of his music and playing abilities. He was the mandolin player, Bill Monroe style, for the band, "The Ramblers" made up of his company. They performed in many venues while he was on active duty. The band members were a treasured part of his military service and a memory he treasured for the rest of his life. Gethsemane Church was Joe's home church and where he accepted the Lord into his life one Sunday morning. This day was one of rejoicing and a treasured memory to all who remember. His tenor voice was an asset as a choir member, men's quartet, and a member of his family trio with his two sisters. One of his greatest joys was singing in the "cousin's choir." He has now joined their assembly in heaven. His quiet generosity was one of his attributes, and his benefactors were unknown to others as he quietly went about doing good for everyone.

He is survived by his brother-in-law: Reed Jennnings; sister-in-law: Agnes Harrison; special niece and caregiver: Carolyn McCaslin; special nephew and caregiver: Benny Laws; several loving nieces and nephews and three first cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Jet (Roy) Hopson, Leon Harrison, Reiben (Ted) Harrison, Denta (Everette) Whitson, Mary Sue (Bud) Laws, Wanda Jennings and Wilma Harrison.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Charles Montgomery, Brookdale staff, Robyn's Sunday school class, pickin buddies, bluegrass friends and Gethsemane and Greystone Church members.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3-8 pm at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Gethsemane Church at 2:00 pm Thursday with Jerry Hopson, Mark Laughlin and Bo Ragan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com