Marion Eugene "Gene" Harrison, age 89, passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida of natural causes.

Born June 22, 1932, in Nashville, Tennessee to Kenny L. and Bennie A. Harrison. He was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Joe Harrison and a sister, Bennie Elaine Harrison.

Gene married Ruth Claire Bazemore on April 6, 1957, and together they filled their home with five children. He is survived by Ruth, Vicki Harrison Crouser of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Marsha Harrison Gandy of Boca Raton, Florida, Mark Alan Harrison and Alberto Camargo of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Michael Eugene Harrison of Gibsonville, North Carolina, and Angela Harrison, wife of Robbie Terry Snow of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He also had three granddaughters: Amanda Brooks Gleason, Lindsey Marie Gleason, and Ashley Morgan Thrift. Also, two great grandsons; Anthony, and Damian.

Gene served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, a choice he made from a strong sense of patriotism. In later life he was often affectionately referred to as the Mayor of Arlingwood spending endless hours holding court on the front porch conversing with various neighbors and, on a regular basis, the mailman. His interests included everything from cooking and politics to history. But what Gene was most known for was his ability to tell a joke. Anyone in need of a pick me up, knew where to go for a good laugh.

The family will be celebrating Gene's life privately in the coming weeks. Rather than flowers, the family would appreciate any contributions to the Gary Sinise Foundation a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit charity. Contact information: Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365 or donor@garysinisefoundation.org , telephone is (888)708-7757.