Earnest Reagan Harrison  1946-2023

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Earnest Reagan Harrison was born on June 30, 1946, in Grapeland to Flora Jean and Delmar Harrison. Earnest passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at age 76. 

Mr. Harrison was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Flora Harrison; and two sisters, Linda Stevens and Sally Harrison. 

Mr. Harrison leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Billie Deen Harrison of Quitman; three children, daughter Rhonda Turner and husband Scott of Quitman, son Ray Harrison and wife Kelly of Frisco, and son Robert Harrison and wife Kim of Cypress; four grandchildren, Jeremy Turner of Frisco, Megan Boyd and husband Clay of Holly Lake Ranch, Justin Harrison and wife Megan of Cypress and Cash Harrison of Frisco; five great-grandchildren, Kenadi, Holden, Jameson, Maverick and Luke; one brother, Phillip Harrison and wife Teesha of Glenn Heights; and two sisters, Patricia Lookabaugh and husband Homer of Larue and Phyllis Kittrell and husband Winn of Tyler.

Mr. Harrison loved his wife Billie and his children and grandchildren unconditionally. He was giving, supportive and loyal. He never left the house without kissing Billie goodbye, and he never said goodbye to his children without saying, “I love you, and I am proud of you!” He was an avid fisherman and could be found often under the bridge on Hwy. 154 crappie fishing. It was his favorite pastime and he loved to be out on the water. He continued this hobby for as long as his health permitted. In his later years he found a love of gardening. If you ever driven by his house, you could see his beautiful flowers and plants all over the yard. He was especially fond of giving his plants and flowers to others. It became a passion of his to share his love of gardening, and if you visited him at his home, you were certain to leave with a new plant in hand! 

Mr. Harrison spent 40 years working for Brookshires Grocery Company beginning in 1967. He moved his family to Quitman in 1979 when Brookshires opened a new store and Earnest became the store manager. He served as the Quitman Brookshires store manager until his retirement in 2007, spending almost 30 years serving the community of Quitman. 

Mr. Harrison was a member of the Flora Masonic Lodge 119 Quitman, had served as a director on the Quitman Chamber of Commerce and was a past charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Quitman. 

Memorial services for Mr. Harrison were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations, Quitman. Pastor Fred Morrow officiated the service. Family received friends at 9 a.m. for visitation prior to the service.