W.B. 'Bill' Harrison

W.B. "Bill" Harrison, 82, of Blytheville, passed from this life Friday, May 1, 2015, at his home, surrounded by family.

Mr. Harrison was born on Aug. 17, 1932. He was the son of James and Annie Harrison, and was raised in Birdsong. Growing up in a rural, farming community, W.B. had numerous chores, which allowed limited time for play. Therefore, he took great delight from playing baseball, softball and wrestling with his friends.

He earned his high school diploma at Woodstock Training School in Lucy, Tennessee. He received a bachelor of science degree from Arkansas AM&N (now UAPB). Masters degrees were conferred upon Mr. Harrison in agriculture at Tennessee State University and in education administration at Arkansas State University.

Drafted into the military (Army) during the Korean War, he was a corporal first class with duties as the principal driver for the commander of an artillery unit.

W.B.'s career as an educator began in Augusta, Arkansas. Over the years, he was a teacher and an elementary school principal in several southeast Missouri locales. After working a few years as a middle school principal in Steele, he accepted a position with the Office of Economic Opportunity for Mississippi County (now the Mississippi County EOC). During his tenure, he served both as assistant director and director. He was an active participant when the Head Start Program was established in Mississippi County. Later, Mr. Harrison was a program planner with the State OEO. In subsequent years, he owned and operated a small business.

W.B. was a longtime member of Gilfield Missionary Baptist Church in Birdsong, serving on the Deacon's Board. In recent years, he had moved his membership to New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

A "people person" who met no strangers, he had an insatiable zest for life and held a tremendous capacity for compassion. He always sought the positive slant regardless of how a situation might be perceived by others.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille Warren Harrison;

Two daughters, Kelsey Harrison Griffin and husband John Jr. and Twyla Harrison;

One brother, James Blakley and wife Mary;

One special sister-in-law, Gloria Warren Walter and husband Donald;

One granddaughter, Kyndra Griffin;

One grandson, John Griffin III and wife Rebecca;

Two special cousins, Jo Anner Vinson and Nathaniel Shumpert;

A mutual devotee, Tyrone Johnson; and

Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Saturday. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the end of visitation. Both will be held at New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Blytheville. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Blytheville.

Funeral arrangements were made by McDonald-Horne Funeral Home in Blytheville.