Charles Lee Harrison

CHARLES LEE HARRISON was born March 17, 1937, in Vienna, WV to the late Reverend Harold H. Harrison and Virginia Zinn Harrison. He graduated from Huntington East High School in Huntington, WV, West Virginia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Technology, and from Marshall University with a Master of Arts in Counseling. He continued his education from the U.S. Air Force Security Police Academy.
He served in the Air National Guard for thirty-eight years until his retirement as a full Colonel. He was a teacher and counselor at Barboursville High School and Huntington High School. After retirement, he worked in administration at Marshall's Robert C. Byrd Institute. Charles was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Huntington, WV and served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.
Charles was the fifth of nine children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Harrison Hayes, Mary Harrison, and brother John Harrison. He is survived by his remaining siblings: Dr. George Harrison, Dr. Thomas Harrison, Nancy Swanson, Martha Blackburn, and James Harrison. Charles had a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife of thirty-eight years, Linda Burns Harrison, and survived by his cherished daughter, Jennifer Naymick.
He is also survived by his beloved grandson Leo Harrison Earl, who held a uniquely special place in his heart. Their time together-whether shooting hoops in the driveway or cheering through various sports seasons, brought him immense pride and joy. Charles never missed a school or sporting event of Leo's and proudly wore his "Granddad Charlie" jersey to support Leo. Leo's friends, teachers, and friends' parents always called out "Hi Granddad Charlie" as he was liked by all he met. Leo will forever carry his grandfather's encouragement, laughter, and quiet sideline support in his heart.
Charles' wife, daughter, and grandson were the center of his heart and his greatest blessings.
Charles demonstrated his loving care for others every day of his life and will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, ability to listen and share great advice, love of his country, devotion to his family, and his willingness to always jump in and lend a helping hand. Besides spending time with his family, Charles loved working in his yard, taking walks in his neighborhood, watching Marshall and West Virginia football games, and driving his red truck.
Charles will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate to share in his life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Msgr. Dean Borgmeyer officiating. The family will receive friends after 10 a.m.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of Huntington.
Please leave an online condolence for his family at www.beardmortuary.com.