Mr. Marion Harrison, Jr.

Mr. Marion Harrison, Jr., 78, had his transition on Thursday, February 2, 2017 surrounded by his loving family under the professional care of Hospice of Savannah.

Funeral services for Mr. Marion Harrison, Jr. will be held 10:30 A.M., Friday, February 10, 2017 in The Adams Chapel.

Interment: Beaufort National Cemetery with Military Honors.

BIOGRAPHY:

It took me a several years to realize that being placed in the vocational program at Booker T. Washington High School turned out to be a blessing. By being assigned to that program, it gave me the opportunity to take mechanical drawing (now called engineering).  This encouraged me to want to go to college and study to be an architect.  As we remember, at that time, South Carolina offered us limited choices to attend college for certain fields of study.  I applied to North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC and started my college education that following September.  It turned out I was a good student, and made suitable grades the first two years; even though, I competed on the school’s track team. I thought my world had come to an end, when I realized I didn’t have enough money to return to school my junior year, so I joined the US Air Force for a four-year tour. But, this also turned out to be a blessing, since I got a chance to see some of the world, and I attended The University of Arizona for a year.  In 1962, I got out of the Air Force and returned to North Carolina A&T to complete my studies for a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering, and graduated in 1964.  This was the same year the Civil Rights Act was passed.  I was offered a position as an Intern Architect with the Savannah District, US Army Corps of Engineers. They (Corps of Engineers) wanted to integrate their offices in the South.
From 1964 until 1978, I was employed with Savannah District, and during this period I was able to become a licensed architect by passing the 5 days long National Council Architectural registration, which was given only one time a year.  During the years 1964-1981, the Corps of Engineers paid all expenses for me to go full time to school to obtain a Master’s Degree in Building Construction at the University of Florida.
By August 1978, I was married, had two sons, and could take a 3 ½ year’s assignment, with my family in Saudi Arabia. From there, we had a chance to travel to a number of exotic places all over the world. In 1982, we returned to Savannah, and the Corps of Engineers.  In 1983, a third son, Lamar, was added to our family.
After returning to Savannah District, I became Chief, Architecture Section, then Engineering Division, Chief, Design Branch, and I retired in 2003, while in the position as Assistant Chief of Engineering. 
A year after retirement, I was asked to return as a Re-hired Annuitant to mentor the young engineers and architects working in the Savannah district’s construction division. I did this until I re-retired in 2010.
In 1964, the major event in my work career was being the first African American to work in a professional position in the Savannah District.   In 1999, I was selected by the Corps of Engineers (World-Wide) “Top Architect” and was the first African American to hold several key positions.
In Closing
When I was younger, I worried about everything, but I’ve learned over the years not to worry about things that I cannot change.  I’m also more patient. I am most thankful that I retired with satisfaction and gratitude, and I know I am blessed to train almost every day and compete in the Masters Track Meets at my age.  I hope I can continue competing another 10 years, and I will be most thankful.
Marion Harrison

OBITUARY:

Sunrise:  December 14, 1938                                                                        Sunset:  February 2, 2017

Marion Harrison, Jr., the oldest child of five children, was born to the late Marion and Eula Mae Harrison, Sr. in Columbia, South Carolina. Marion entered eternal life peacefully on February 2, 2017, at Hospice Savannah, Inc., after an extended illness.
Marion was educated in the public schools of Richland District One, Columbia, South Carolina.  During the early years of school segregation in South Carolina, he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1956. Marion was an outstanding tennis player, excelled in track (running 100-200-yard dash), and played football.  Early in his teen years, Marion was baptized at (North Main) St. Paul Baptist Church in Columbia, SC.
Marion enter the Air Force Active Duty, and served 4 years. After leaving the US Air Force, Marion graduated from North Carolina A&T and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Engineering in 1964.  In the same year, he was offered an Intern Architect position with the Savannah District Corps of Engineers. During 1964-1978, he was employed by the Savannah District COE. He became a licensed architect and received his Master’s Degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida.  After working overseas for 3.5 years in Saudi Arabia and receiving several promotions at the COE Savannah District, he retired in 2003, as Assistant Chief of Engineering.  
Marion lived in Savannah, GA most of his life, and would faithfully return to Columbia/Hopkins SC to see relatives and friends.  He enjoyed reading a good book, watching movies, travel, golf, running track, tennis, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.  
Preceding him in death was his two brothers, Carvin Allen Harrison, Leon Howard Harrison, and brothers-in-law, Charlie Bowden, Jr., and Calvin Carl Goodson.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Leila Goodson Harrison, sons, Lamar (fiancé Monique), Leonard(Lynn) and Ronald(Andrea) Harrison, two caring devoted, sisters, Mary E. Bowden, and Teresa (Harry) Canzater, granddaughter, Porsha and grandson, Karter Harrison, a special niece, Cynthia (Samuel) Franklin, nephews, Tarryl Canzater, grand nieces, Titiana and Nikia Frankin, two very, special cousins, Brenda Duncan of Central Islip,  New York, Patricia Ann Draper of Baltimore, Maryland, his last and only, living aunt, Mary Alice(Danny) Johnson of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, sisters-in-law, Jackie(Anthony)Brown, Carleen (Willie) Eaddy, Eleanor Patterson,  brothers-in-law Napoleon (Susan B.) Goodson,III, Thomas (Heristeen) Goodson, Heyward (Estelle) Goodson, Michael Goodson and many other loving, relatives and caring friends. 

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