John Tilden "Sonny" Harrison

John Tilden "Sonny" Harrison, 89, of Virginia Beach, VA, peacefully passed away at the Gardens of Virginia Beach on November 12, 2025.
John was born on May 4, 1936 in Norfolk, VA to the late John Hall and Vivian Todd Harrison. He was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Ledbetter. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Adelia "Jean" Thebarge Harrison; son, Todd (Tracy); daughter, Jennifer (Robert); grandchildren, Lindsay Harrison LaChapelle, Colby Harrison, and Ian Konz; and great-grandsons, Mason and Weston LaChapelle.
John graduated from Maury High School in 1954. He completed his BS in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech in 1958 and served in the United States Navy from 1959-1964. After completing a Master's of Science program at Virginia Tech in 1968, he went to work as a civil engineer with the Department of Defense LANTDIV until his retirement in 2001. For many years, he also taught math courses at Tidewater Community College.
John spent his retirement years reading lots of fiction (John Grisham and Harry Potter were two of his favorites), watching the Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals on TV, spending time reading periodicals at the Kempsville Public Library, and volunteering for the Adult Learning Center of Virginia Beach. At the ALC, he especially took pride in helping adults trying to change their futures by helping them study to earn their GED.
John's family wishes to extend their eternal gratitude to the entire staff at the Gardens of Virginia Beach and to the Suncrest hospice team of Rachel, Younger, Sarah, and Ron. Your gracious, loving care for John the last 8 days of his life will never be forgotten.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of America or Alzheimer's Association.