Henry Clyde Harrison Jr.
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Henry Clyde Harrison Jr.,89, passed away on Sunday December 12, 2021 at his home in Greenville South Carolina.
Henry was blessed with a large and loving family. He is survived by his love and life partner Tracy Lamb, his children; son Randy Harrison (Beth), his daughters Carole Ann Owens (Kent), Pauline Joy Green (Tim), Austin Harrison, his grandchildren Heidi Boyce (Andy), Henry T. Harrison (Tonya), Will Owens (Lauren), Anna Ornelas (Anthony), Carly Owens, Chase Green, Aiden Green, Honor Neely, Willa Green and Wynnie Green his great grandchildren Harrison, Caroline, Bailey, Ava, Lily, Lauren, and Alivia. He is also survived by his second wife Glenda Harrison and her children Kim Alexander (Donnie), Kellie O'Donald (Roger), and Al Harrison (Kim) and grandchildren Cody O'Donald (Emily), Carson Lollis (Josh), Kolby McCuen (Jonathan), and Brady Harrison, and great grandchildren Hadlee and Fallon all who he loved dearly.
He was the last surviving child of the late Clyde and Pauline (Womble) Harrison. Henry was predeceased by his 10 siblings, Dot Floyd, Frances Ray, Elizabeth Baker, Lee Ellis, Mildred Lollis, Margaret Shenk, and Bill, John, Heyward, and Charlie Harrison as well as his first wife Carole Harrison.
Henry was born on February 21st, 1932 in the Union Bleachery community in Greenville, South Carolina before moving to Sans Souci where he grew up. From a young age, Henry exhibited 2 qualities that would come to be known as characteristics to all those who knew him; hard work and the ability to make friends. When he was 6 years old, he had his first paper route, times were tough and he used the money he earned to help his family. He was known as the small boy; the one being followed by all the neighborhood dogs. He carried scraps and treats to feed them saying "better for them to be happy to see you coming!" Henry grew up in Greenville and graduated from Parker High School before joining the Highway Patrol and taking his first post in Cherokee County. On the patrol, he quickly distinguished himself as an officer who was truly there to serve. He believed that every single person he came across, on the job or in life, deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. He made sure everyone knew he worked for the people and it was his job to keep the roads safe for them and most importantly, their children. Through the course of his career on the patrol, Henry was able to move back to Greenville in 1962. While he never ran for office, Henry had a servant's heart and a love for politics. He was extremely active not only in the local Upstate community but in the entire state of South Carolina. He had no interest in partisanship and in divisive times he was known for working with everyone with the goal of bringing people together for the good of all. In 1975 he decided to retire from the Highway Patrol as a Sergeant and start his own company. Henry started American Security from his living room and quickly expanded it into a corporation that at various times served clients in seven states and employed over 5,500 people, known today as American Services, Inc. Henry believed in hard work. He classically stated, "The Good Lord gives everyone 168 hours a week, how we use them is up to us." Henry proudly served as the Chairman of the Board and CEO of American Services until the day he went to be with his Lord.
Henry was honored numerous times over the years for his professional achievements and community contributions including State Trooper of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, the 50 Most Influential Hall of Fame in the Upstate, and the Order of the Palmetto. He was honored to have the Henry C. Harrison Criminal Justice program at Tri-County Tech named for him and was also proud to be recognized by the Greenville Health Systems' Children's Hospital with the "All for the Love of the Children" award. He also served on numerous committees and professional boards.
Henry, Chief, Big Henry, The Chairman, Slick, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Papa Slick, loved people for the entirety of his life and will be remembered for his love by his many friends and family while they wait to join him in the Kingdom of God.
Visitation will be held on Thursday December 16, 2021 at Mackey Mortuary at Century Drive from 4pm - 7pm. A memorial service will be held at Sans Souci Church located at 3100 Old Buncombe Road, Greenville South Carolina, 29609 on Friday December 17 at 11:00 am. Entombment will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd Greenville, SC 29609.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be sent to Sans Souci Church, St. Jude's Children Hospital, Tri-County Vet Tech Program or Dr. William Schmidt and Dr. Susan Shi Legacy Fund and Institute for Child Success.
Fond memories and condolences can be made to the Harrison family at www.mackeycenturydrive.com.