Raymond Wallace Harrison

Raymond Wallace Harrison, proud father of four children, passed away peacefully at his home in Pantego, Texas on January 16, 2025. He was 94 years old.

Ray was born on July 9,1930 in Mossville, Arkansas to Robert Wallace Harrison and Mary Lillian Edgmon Harrison. Ray attended school in Smackover Arkansas before studying engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering. He was a proud veteran who served in the US Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. Ray met the love of his life, Mary Catherine Laffey, while attending dance class at the local YMCA in Milwaukee. They were married in September, 1958 and remained married for over 67 years. Ray was the proud father of Catherine, Patricia, Michael, and Thomas. Ray was never short of stories, life lessons and advice that he shared with his children.

After serving in the military and graduating, Ray worked for Raytheon Corp in Milwaukee, WI. In 1968 Ray relocated his family to Arlington, Texas. He worked at LTV in the data center and later for the Arlington Independent School District as the Director of Data Processing. Ray finished his career as the Manager of Administration for the Texas Super Collider.

Ray was a devout Catholic who was an active member of St. Maria Goretti Church in Arlington for over 50 years. Ray loved the Lord and was a wonderful role model to his children and family. Ray also taught Catholic Scripture study for over 20 years, spreading the study to over 550 locations both nationally and internationally. It became his mission in life to help spread the word of God and scripture study to anyone interested.

Ray was interested in health and devoted many years to selling Limu products and Neolife vitamins. He worked tirelessly to help educate people on the importance of nutrition and good health.

Ray enjoyed attending all his children and grandchildren’s activities. He was affectionately referred to by his grandchildren as Peepaw, Tata and Grand dada. His chocolate milk shakes were famous within the family.

Ray enjoyed playing bridge, dominoes, and listening to Merle Haggard with his friends. He lived with his wife in the family home in Pantego, Texas from 1970 until his death. Ray was a jack of all trades. There was not a job he could not do or a problem he could not fix. There was never a person in need he would not volunteer to help.

Ray was preceded in death by both his parents, his brothers Robert Harrison and wife Elna, Lawrence Harrison and Howard Harrison. He is survived by his wife Mary, children Catherine Jones (Roger), Patricia Harrison Gieger, Michael Spears Harrison (Kelli), Thomas Harrison (Jennifer), brother Harold Harrison (Paulette), sister Lillian Burian (Ron), sisters- in law Donna Harrison, Becky Harrison, and Joanne Cheshire (Doug) and brother- in law Dan Laffey (Lynda). He is also survived by grandchildren Alexandra, Autumn, Heather, Parker (Jodi), Caiden and Kent. Ray also has three surviving great grandchildren Avrey, Callen and Cora. Ray also leaves many other family members and friends who he loved and who will remember him fondly.

The family is grateful for the care Ray received from Renew Home Health Care – especially the care provided by Adrianne Harville and Vicki Duff. Special thanks to his daily caregivers who worked to ensure that Ray could remain at home – Kim Turner, Blessing Osademe and Lori Southernland.

In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to your favorite charity.