EDWARD MARVIN HARRISON Devoted to his family, a devout Catholic, a patriot and an unfailing gentleman for every time and place, Edward Marvin Harrison died on June 5, 2015 in Memphis, two months and a day after his 98th birthday. He was born on April 4, 1917, in Lubbock, Texas, where his father, Major Frank Harrison, was waiting to be stationed during World War I. Ed grew up in Washington D.C. and in Dallas, and he attended the University of Texas at Austin. Compelled by his yearning to fly aircraft, Ed joined the Civil Pilot Training Program in Helena, Arkansas, and quickly moved from student to flight instructor. His teaching skills were so highly regarded that classes of West Point cadets were sent to learn under his tutelage. His love of flying drove him to try to join the Royal Canadian Air Force before the United States entered World War II, but a hitch developed because at the time of his birth, Texas didn't issue birth certificates. An affidavit signed by his mother was required, and his mother refused to sign. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Ed joined the Army Air Corps, which became the United States Air Force, and advanced to the rank of captain. He married his beloved wife of 61 years, the late Mary Catherine Woods Harrison, in 1943. After his years in the Air Corps, Ed worked as sales manager at Chip Barwick Chevrolet Company in Memphis. He later founded Ed Harrison and Associates, building contractors. Ed leaves four daughters: Mary Catherine McHenry (husband Onis) of New York City; Margaret McNutt (husband Charles) of Eronga, Mexico; Elizabeth Herrmann (husband Arthur) of Bartlett, Tennessee; and Virginia Smith of Memphis. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Christopher Koeppel (wife Sarah), Louisa Koeppel (husband Adam Remsen), Harrison Witt (wife Heather), Warner Witt (wife Kristi), Amalia Herrmann (husband John Kim), Marta Brown, Alan Smith (wife Catherine), and Erica Smith; four great-grandchildren: Sebastian and Adelaide Koeppel, Carson Witt and Felix Remsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Frank and Ruby Davison Harrison; his wife; brother, Dr. Frank Harrison; granddaughter, Emily Carrington Koeppel, and great granddaughters, Eleanor Emily Koeppel and Annabelle Witt.Ed's love of flying never diminished. He piloted a plane for the last time at the age of 91. Though a member of what is called the “Greatest Generation” of Americans who came of age during the deprivations of the Depression of the 1930s and who were tested during World War II, Ed Harrison quietly practiced virtues unlimited by generations and eras: hard work, thrift, honesty, perseverance, trustworthiness, devotion to family, finishing what you start. He served as a model for everyone in his family and community. Ed was a devout communicant of St. Louis Catholic Church, where he was a member of Fleur de Lis. He was also a member of the Memphis B-29 Club and Forever Young Vets which honors those who served in World War II. The family will receive guests beginning at nine o’clock in the morning until a funeral mass begins at ten o’clock on Thursday, June 11, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 203 S. White Station Road. Rev. Msgr. John B. McArthur will be the celebrant and burial with Air Force Honors will conclude in Calvary Cemetery. The family will return to the Clunan Center at St. Louis Church for a reception after burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forever Young Vets, PO Box 1381, Collierville, TN 38027-1381; St. Louis Catholic Church; or an organization of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at memphisfuneralhome.com

(Published in The Commercial Appeal on June 9, 2015)