Richard H. Harrison II

Richard Henry Harrison II, age 68 of Longwood, FL, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Advent Health Hospice following postoperative complications. Richard earned a B.A. from his beloved alma mater, The College of Wooster, OH, in 1978, then worked briefly as a staff photographer for The Tullahoma News before obtaining an M.L.S. from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in 1985. He subsequently worked as a reference librarian at Columbia State Community College, TN, and then at The University of Alabama Birmingham Sterne Library before accepting a position at The University of Central Florida (UCF) John C. Hitt Library. During his 24-year tenure at UCF, Richard was most proud of his work to establish the Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence, a forum for UCF undergraduates to present their research and creative projects to the broader university community. Prior to his death, and in acknowledgement of his support of student research, he was recently honored with the establishment of The Richard H. Harrison II Student Research Week Partnership Award, an annual university-wide award recognizing a faculty member who excels in research partnerships with students. He was a charter member of the UCF Undergraduate Research Council, member of the Burnett Honors College University Committee, and past member of the UCF Faculty Senate. Richard's passion for books extended beyond his job at UCF as he was a voracious reader with topics including history, politics, religion, and civil rights. He frequently donated books to libraries in honor and memoriam of others. He loved life, family and friends, and engaging conversation. Born August 1, 1956 in Manchester, TN, Richard was the son of the late Richard Henry Harrison and Joan Prince Harrison. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his partner, Howard B. Altman. He is survived by one brother, David Harrison. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to your local public library, or your local PBS or NPR station. A celebration of Richard's life will be held Wednesday, September 17, 4:00 PM at UCF Hitt Library, Room 402. There is as $5 fee for UCF visitor parking, payable at the parking garage kiosks.