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D. Harrison Obituary
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for D. Harrison
Douglas Clark Welsh
September 18, 2024
I certainly miss Mr. Oakley. I lived half of my thirty years in the beautiful upstairs back apartment which overlooked his small Strawberry Street yard. Mr. Oakley and I took many walks through the Fan District and he would treat me occasionally to lunch at Joe´s Inn. A great man with a wonderful story. His memory and presence continues on in the life of all those he knew and influenced.
Douglas Welsh
September 18, 2023
I spent well over a decade living at the Oakley residence as a renter on the upper floor. Great memories of that time. I had lived yet another decade next door with Sanford Eberly. So Oakley and I became almost family. Over time he told me much of his story, his arrival into Richmond and many walks through the fan. He as very fair with his rent and was generous in providing luncheon meals to me at Joe's in. A great man he was.
LaRue Gregory
October 24, 2007
Oakley Harrison was a man of his word, and lived everything he believed in. Uncle Oakley, you have left all your family with a legacy that very few people have done before. One of loving kindness, not just to family, but, to all you met; morals, and principals that came directly from the Word of God. You taught us how to embrace tradegy with strength and wisdom; you taught us how to see beauty where there seems to be darkness; how to put others before ourselves because thats what God said to do. Uncle Oakley, you are surely missed, but, now, tears have given way to wonderful memories that make us smile and brings sunshine into our hearts. Thank you for all of this, for all the "Uncle Oakley hugs", smiles and most of all, just for being you.
LaRue Gregory, your neice
JoAnn Rogers
October 23, 2007
Uncle Oakley was really special to all of us. He loved his family and we loved him. He loved flowers and I love flowers, too. Most of the time, when he was visiting, he came by to see my flower gardens.
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Jean H. Dority
October 23, 2007
Uncle Oakley Harrison was a gentle, kind, and generous man. He loved his family, his church Grove Ave. Baptist, and also his childhood church Stony Hill where he was buried. He lived a good and simple life. He had lots of friends and family who loved him and will remember him always. We love you Uncle Oakley and know that you are living high on that mountain.
Your niece, Jeannie.
Randee, Steve, and Corey Humphrey
October 22, 2007
The Humphrey family misses Uncle Oakley's genuine kindness, unselfish support, and gracious spirit. He embodied Southern gentility and Christian grace, and we feel so fortunate to have known him. He always displayed a real interest in our lives--his "how are you?" was more than a courteous greeting--it was a deeply genuine and sincere curiosity that made us all feel as if we were the centers of the universe. Oh that we could all be so unselfish and generous. Thank you Oakley for being a wonderful example, now and forever.
Mary Lee H. Stewart
October 8, 2007
Our family has a gigantic hole that can't be filled. For over fifty years he was in our daily lives. We have lost a precious uncle, substitute father, grandfather, great-grandfather. And we couldn't have loved him more.
Ronnie & Amy Jo Harrison
November 22, 2006
Uncle Oakley...
A pillar of the Harrison family, a kind and loving friend, a giver of kind words and encouragement, and an inspiration to many. A life well lived…. I know that you are leaving behind a challenge to all of us, family...friends...and acquaintances. That challenge is to learn from your excellent life example and to carry on. Our task is to perpetuate your Christian ideals, your love of your neighbor, your pursuit of higher education and self improvement, and your ability to make everyone feel special and encouraged. If all of us try and yet only one succeeds…then we all succeed….
Vera Harrison
October 24, 2006
I married into the Harrison family
in 1947 and met Uncle Oakley shortly
after then. He was always a pleasure to be around and kept in touch. He loved his family and his
family loved him.
LeAnn Ray
October 23, 2006
Uncle Oakley was genuinely interested in everyone in the Harrison Family. He often took time to speak with us,and to send card and letters. He always seemed eager to learn of our accomplishments especially as it related to school and/or college. Education was important to him. He also sent words of encouragment that stated through God, anything was possible. I will never forget receiving his cards and letters over the past few years. Even though he may have been failing, he always took the time out to let you know he was thinking of you.
Love and respect always,
Emily & Stephen Dunton (& our son Harrison)
October 19, 2006
Mr. Harrison was one of a kind. He was a wonderful Christian gentleman, and role model for the rest of us. He extended himself to me, and to my family in ways I will never forget and I treasure the memories I have of him. His family is in our thoughts and prayers, as I know how close he was to them, and they to him.
Barbara Barham
October 16, 2006
Oaskley was a special cousin to the O'Neal Family and we will miss his twinkling eyes and sweet smile. He was certainly a wonderful, kind and genuine Christian gentleman.
Gonjoe and Becky Winn
October 15, 2006
Oakley was a dear friend to both of us and to our children as well. We all will miss him in our lives.
Nelson and Brenda Harrison Ray
October 10, 2006
Uncle Oakley was a special uncle to all the Harrison family and a friend to everyone. We all are going to miss you! He was one of the few Gentlemen that was left from North Carolina. We will always remember your favorite response to everyone - "My Pleasure!" Uncle Oakley - I did it your way - short & sweet.
Steve DeWalle
October 8, 2006
I'll miss seeing you on Strawberry Street and always being greeted with a smile and a sincere interest in what I was up to. A kinder heart I've never known. Thanks for everything Oakley.
Rose Mary Lipscomb
October 6, 2006
We first met Mr. Harrison through dear friends of ours, Betty Ann & Bobby Snead, when we decided to move and buy a new home in the county. They suggested we get in touch with Oakley Harrison. He was so helpful in working with us in our new home purchase. I will never forget him as he was such a fine Christian gentleman. He was someone you felt like you had known all your life. I am so grateful that we got to know him, and know now that he is no longer suffering pain, but has a new body and living with our Lord.
Melanie Snead
October 6, 2006
Mr. Oakley Harrison was somewhat like a grandfather to me. He was a very gentle, kind-hearted, intellegent, and witty man. I am lucky to have known his kind ways as well having his guidance and support duing my life. He was especially interested in my grades through school and collage as well as my career afterward. I'll always remember him for his unique gifts; one time he gave me a very unusual paper-weight. It has moved from job to job with me and still sits on my desk at work. His last material gift to me was the book "A Purpose Driven Life" --- of course I've read it, but I'm sure I'll read it again, this time thanking him with the turn of each page for caring for me enough to give me such a special book that I would not have purchased for myself. His real gift to me as I'm sure to all of you as well is having a more enriched life with him being part of it by just knowing how good of a person he was. We should all learn how to be just a small percentage as personable as he was. Mr. Harrison, you will surely be missed especially at my family's Christmas Dinner. I guess I will have to take over your role of helping Mom (Betty Anne) move pictures, and furniture, etc. around to just the exact spot! You will always be in our thoughts and I'm comforted knowing you are in a better place - the angels are lucky to have you!
Betty Snead
October 5, 2006
Oakley came into my life when I was only five yrs. old. He lived in our home while attending college. He taught me so many wonderful things, and helped me through graduation. I considered him more than just a friend, he was definitely family to me. He brought so much joy, and love to us on Christmas evening each year . He will be missed by everyone he touched in his life.
Emily Paxton
October 5, 2006
Oakley was a kind, sweet, dear man. His gentle spirit was such a breath of fresh air for my short stint in Richmond. It's comforting to know that he is now in the arms of Jesus.
David Schilling
October 5, 2006
Oakley was a kind person who truly cared for his neighbors and his community. He will be missed.
Margaret Harrison
October 3, 2006
Uncle Oakley:
You were such a wonderful and delightful person. You were always so thoughtful and cared so much for your family. You will surely be missed. The family reunion will never be the same. Love you.
Greg Winter
October 2, 2006
In loving memory of our good friend and neighbor.
Alex and Greg Winter
110 Strawberry Street -Richmond,Va.
Kay Harris
September 28, 2006
I never met Mr.Oakley, but I felt as if I knew him through my friend and his niece Brenda Ray. Always saying good things about him . My sympathy to all his family.
Ronald& Kay Jackson Harris
Sandra Bell
September 27, 2006
What a wonderful, kind man he was! Oakley helped me to purchase my first home, guiding me every step of the way. God guided his life and he is now spending eternity with our Lord, how lucky he is!!
Nancy Keith
September 27, 2006
I met Oakley as a teenager and have known him for over 35 years as fellow members of Grove Ave. Baptist Church. He was like an uncle to me. I feel like I have lost a dear member of my family.
I am going to miss his warm smile, his gentle spirit, his caring concern, his timely advice, his prayer support, his hugs (even with the whistle of his hearing aids!), and the gentle pecks on the cheek he gave upon greeting.
He was a great, great man. A gentle giant!
Donald Scott
September 26, 2006
Oakley will be greatly missed . He was a rare jewel and Loved God . I know that he is with the Lord and for that we are all thankful .
David Mathis
September 25, 2006
I met Oakley in 1972 on a VCU alumni trip to England, became his tenant and also friend until 1988 when I moved from Richmond. However, we kept in touch and saw one another when I visited there. I'll miss him greatly as he was indeed a rare and fine human being.
Kim Reid
September 25, 2006
May you rest in peace Oakley. You were the very first one wanting to donate blood when Joshua had his surgery on his back and I know for a fact, that Josh has a little bit of you in him now. You always greeted me with open arms and such a sweet smile. I still have the picture of you and I at my parent's 50th wedding anniversary held at the church. May you smile and dance with the angels now because I am sure they are enjoying you as much as I did.
Love, Kim S. Reid and Joshua A. Morris
Eddy Seagroves
September 25, 2006
Mr.Harrison was a caring and thoughtful man, well loved by the stony hill community. Oakley was a gentleman and a great friend to my family in stony hill for over 20 years. We will miss him! Eddy
Douglas Welsh
September 25, 2006
I will miss you Mr. Oakley! Having been your tenant for over ten years, we have become family. I can still remember you telling me when I first moved in to the apartment, that we were merely "stewards" of the property until the next tenant move in. Your words have come true!
I will miss your occassional calls to "slip over to Joe's" for breakfest, your hand-written notes thanking me for this or that, and even your calls reminding me to close my windows as fall approaches.
Perhaps most discouraging given your departure from this earth, is to know who is going to tend your garden. I suspect only you have all the information in this regard.
For the time being, I will be sure to keep to your instructions and ensure that the American Flag in front of your home keeps flying untangled.
Susan & Ross Hill
September 25, 2006
Oakley was always the kindest man, like an uncle to me and so helpful early on in our marriage. He will be missed by everyone until we join him.
Robert and Doris Mays
September 25, 2006
In memory of a wonderful friend.
Corroll P. Loving
September 25, 2006
Oakley will be soarly missed,his bright and cherrie smile and warm personality always lifted my spirits no matter how I felt. His life was and will always be an inspiration of how a Christian should always live and reflect God's love for his fellow man...
May God bless and comfort your family at this time,,,C.P.Loving
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