Thomas Marion Harrison (Tom) departed his earthly home at 7:15 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, while looking into the eyes of his beautiful wife of 63 ½ years.
Tom was born on May 20, 1933, to Marion Clark Harrison and Mary Sue Scarborough Harrison in Newton, Miss. Tom attended Hickory High School and graduated from East Central Community College in 1953. Following his college graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.
Tom’s dedication to his country took him to the worlds unknown. Although he enlisted in the Air Force, he often reflected on the short time spent aboard the USS General H.B. Freeman traversing the North Pacific en-route to his duty station in Alaska. This time-tossed at the mercy of the Navy aided his disdain for water and likened his preference to land.
Upon completing his service tour, Tom returned home to his alma mater, where he became smitten by the beauty of a dark-haired basketball player, later to become his beautiful wife. After watching the game, he approached this young lady’s father where he asked permission to drive her home after the game. Unphased by the striking airman, Mr. Davis stated, “I reckon she’ll come home the way she came.”
In a testament to Harrison determination, he eventually married that striking beauty and fathered three children he adored: (late) Thomas Kerry Harrison, Suzanne Harrison Lindley and Tanya Rose Harrison Collins.
With an unbridled love for family, especially children, he mentored, taught, frailed and loved the 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Although he identified by many roles, farming with a “youngin on his knee” may have been his happiest career identity.
Tom is preceded in death by his father, Marion Clark Harrison; his mother, Mary Sue Scarborough Harrison; a granddaughter, Katina Harrison; his son, Thomas “Kerry” Harrison; his sister, Betty Harrison Runnels; and a great-granddaughter, Lily Elaine Dean.
Tom is survived by his wife of 63 ½ years, Rose Davis Harrison; his daughter, Suzanne Harrison Lindley; his daughter, Tanya Rose Harrison Collins (Tim); and son/daughter, Bo and Janet Clark; grandchildren, Thomas Alan Dean “Tad”, Krystal Harrison, Amanda Nicole Dean (Sam) Smith “Nickie”, Thomas “Kerry” Harrison (Dawn), Katie Clark McMullan (Brent), Kevin “Michael” Aycox (Marcos), Lucas Daniel Aycox (Hannah), Christian Davis Aycox, Hunter Collins, Elijah Collins, Tanner Collins and Kari Rose Collins; great-grandchildren, Corey Lee Harrison, Thomas Kerry Harrison III “Tripp”, Marion Sawyer “Lane” Harrison, Georgia Grace Harrison, Magnolia June Harrison, Riley Michael Dean, Brantley Alan Dean, Thomas Colin Dean, Shadda Claire Bentley, Carson Clark McMullan, Caden Crawford McMullan and John Collier McMullan.
*In lieu of flowers please make donations to Gideon's International, in Memory of Thomas Marion "Tom" Harrison. ** Bibles will be placed in the pews of Antioch Christian Church with the instruction of "If you need it, take it."
Visitation was held on Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 9-11 a.m. at Antioch Christian Church. Funeral Services followed at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial was in the church cemetery. Dr. John Cash, Bro. Evan Strickland and Bro. Theron Harris officiated. Newton County Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements (601) 635-3200.
Pallbearers will be Thomas Alan "TAD" Dean, Thomas “Kerry” Harrison, Kevin “Michael” Aycox, Lucas Daniel Aycox, Christian Davis Aycox, William “Hunter” Collins, Elijah Walker Collins, Sam Smith, Corey Lee Harrison, Brent McMillian and Riley Michael Dean.
Honorary Pallbearers will be George Harris, Paul Edwards, Tony Adams and Bennie Walker.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
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