Celebrating the life of
Joseph Edward "Jack" Harrison
December 25, 1920 - November 11, 2010
Joseph Edward "Jack" Harrison, 89, of Savannah, passed into eternal glory Wednesday after a brief illness. Son of William H. and Lynn Hill Harrison, Jack was born December 25th, 1920 in Mobile, Alabama.
Siblings: He was preceded in death by his sisters Marion H. Hyland and Magdaline Harrison.
Jack graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Alabama and attended Spring Hill College before enlisting in the US Army during WWII. He was assigned to the 20th Armored Division and fought under General Patton reaching the rank of sergeant T4. He served three years in combat that included enemy engagements in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Poland and Czechoslovakia. The 20th Armored Division engaged in numerous skirmishes including the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of War Prisoners held by the Nazis. His memories of this journey included the capture of Dachau and its nauseating horror of cruelty, sadism and ruthlessness.
After being discharged Jack married his wife of 63 years, Nell E. Butler on November 25, 1947. Jack and Nell later moved to Savannah in 1955 and were blessed with their only child, their daughter Lisa N. Harrison. Jack worked as a Superintendent for Savannah Machine and Foundry/Ship Yard until his retirement in 1982.
Jack was a parishioner of St. James Catholic Church, 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus council 631, member of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, the Friendly Sons and several other organizations.
Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife Nell, his daughter, Lisa H. Counihan Jerry Counihan, three grandchildren Michael, Jeremy and Shannon, brothers William and Frank Harrison and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 5:30-6:30PM Monday, November 15, 2010 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic with a Rosary Service at 6:30PM.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00AM Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 7020 Concord Road, Savannah, GA 31410. Burial will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Dear Nell,Lisa and Family, Judy and I send our sincere sympathy on the passing of Jack.He had a full,good life.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Uncle Jack was the true meaning of the word 'Man'. He was our neighborhood father figure to so many of us that grew up on Meridian Drive. So many memories, he truley took care of us all. He made sure that no one was ever hungry, his house was open to us all. He was the neighborhoods 'ADT' before there was 'ADT' and a 'neighborhood watch program'. If you ever needed to know anything about what was going on in Southside Heights, Uncle Jack could tell you. My thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Nell and Lisa and her family. He will be missed but the memories of him will be with us forever. Michael Platock
- Michael Platock, jacksonville, FL
Dear Nell,Lisa and Family, Judy and I send our sincere sympathy on the passing of Jack.He had a full,good life.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Uncle Jack was the true meaning of the word 'Man'. He was our neighborhood father figure to so many of us that grew up on Meridian Drive. So many memories, he truley took care of us all. He made sure that no one was ever hungry, his house was open to us all. He was the neighborhoods 'ADT' before there was 'ADT' and a 'neighborhood watch program'. If you ever needed to know anything about what was going on in Southside Heights, Uncle Jack could tell you. My thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Nell and Lisa and her family. He will be missed but the memories of him will be with us forever. Michael Platock
- Michael Platock, jacksonville, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
