George Bernard Harrison

George Bernard Harrison, beloved son, brother, husband, father, papa and friend, passed away on October 26, 2025, at the age of 77, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Born on March 31, 1948, to William Henry and Christine Jones Harrison in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to family, education, and the University of Alabama.

A proud graduate of Sidney Lanier High School, in Montgomery, Alabama, George was a standout athlete who helped his high school basketball team win two state championships in 1965 and 1967. Go Poets! He often said his high school coach, legendary Bill Joiner, was one of the most influential people in his life, shaping not only his love for the game but also his character and work ethic. His exceptional talent on the court led to him being recruited and signed by Athletic Director Paul "Bear" Bryant to an athletic scholarship at the University of Alabama. It was there that he met his wife of 52 years, Bonnie Johnson Harrison.

George devoted 36 years to teaching, most of those at Pryor Middle School in Okaloosa County, where he taught math and computer science. In addition to being a dedicated educator, he also coached teams in basketball, football, and golf. His passion for sports was unmatched. You could put him in any crowd or arena and he knew the songs and anthems. A crowd favorite was his heartfelt rendition of 'My Old Kentucky Home" before the annual Run for the Roses.

However, no song was sung louder or prouder than "Yea Alabama." A University of Alabama alumnus and fan, George proudly served as President of the Emerald Coast Chapter of the Alabama Alumni Association, where he loved rallying fans and leading the crowd in a spirited cheer. Whether he was hosting Big George and Miss Bonnie's Tailgate Extravaganza, driving his "homecoming float" around town on Saturdays, leading a crowd in a cheer or creating the perfect playlist on a jukebox, he was the life of the party. He had a gift for making memorable impressions - and for turning strangers into lifelong friends.

George often said he knew he had "out-kicked his coverage" with his beloved wife, Bonnie. He was enormously proud of his daughter, Brooke Harrison James, including her choice of husband, Robert James, whom he loved like a son. And he was delighted to be "Papa" to his grandchildren, Brayden James and Blakely James, whom he affectionately called Butterbean and Sweetpea.

George was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Sidney Harrison, sister Ruth Harrison Cullifer, brother-in-law William Marshall and "adopted brother" Al Dehnad. Left to cherish memories of him are his wife Bonnie, daughter Brooke Harrison James and husband Robert James, grandchildren Brayden James and Blakley James, sister Ethel Marshall, brothers William Harrison (Marlyn), Robert Harrison, and brother- in-law Alan Cullifer, along with his nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind dear friends Randy and Connie Spain and many other partners in good times who shared his love for sports and laughter.

May his smile and energy for life live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him! And if you want to know more, you'll have to "read his book". Roll Tide Roll, Big George!

Per George's wishes, a "Celebration of Life" will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 2:00-4:00pm at Elks Lodge 1795 on Okaloosa Island. It was also his wish for those in attendance to wear their favorite team gear.