William B. Harrison
On Friday, March 1st, 2024, our father, William B. “Billy” Harrison passed away peacefully in the presence of his two sons and caregiver. He took his wings to go to heaven to join his wife and soul mate, Mollie. Born on July 13, 1930, in Hampton, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Benjamin Harrison and Pearl M. Harrison; his brothers, Jeff C. Harrison, Robert B. Harrison III, Paul J. Harrison and Edward K. Harrison; and his sister, Virginia McNeal.
Billy attended Hampton High School and completed his GED. He also took electronics courses at Thomas Nelson Community College. He served in the Army prior to starting his career at HastingsRaydist, which became a part of Teledyne Corp. in 1968, where he worked for over 37 years. He then went to work for Pressure Systems in Hampton for over 7 years. Billy participated in Operation Red Wing in the Bikini Islands in 1956.
Husband and soul mate to his loving wife, Mollie and a dedicated father and mentor to his sons, Billy always made sure he took care of and provided for his family. Billy was there to support and offer guidance to both of his sons at all times. He developed a very close bond with his son, Glen, especially over the past three years, as Glen helped care for Billy, who developed Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our caregiver, Pam Joyner was very instrumental in helping take care of Billy. Will helped Glen and Pam and took care of administrative duties for the household. Glen and Will both made sure he got out to enjoy activities outside of the house, while the Alzheimer’s and dementia were working on him.
Billy was introduced to his Lady Friend, Dixie Roberts through a couple of very nice friends, which resulted in Billy and Dixie becoming very close. They delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years. Dixie and Billy also enjoyed dancing some on Friday nights to country music at the Mallory Pool Club House until COVID hit.
Billy was a member of Fox Hill Road Baptist Church in Hampton. He volunteered with the Parents Auxiliary at Sarah Bonwell Hudgins and also helped with the Friday night Bingo Games for over 20 years to help support the activities program for a lot of very special individuals. He also served on the board for the ARC of the Virginia Peninsula. Billy had played the drums in the Drum and Bugle Corp and was part of a 3 piece dance band playing the drums for a number of years. He loved music and always enjoyed listening to bands play. You could always see Billy’s foot beating with the music. He also enjoyed water skiing and could slalom and put the ski rope in between his legs and ski with no hands. He also took up roller blading for a number of years after he retired from Pressure Systems.
Glen and Will would like to give special thanks to the Hospice Home Care nurses over the last five weeks for the care they provided to their father and support from the Hospice Chaplain.
Billy was always there for his family and was an inspiration to all and always developed a new friend wherever he went.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5:00–6:30 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton, with a funeral service to be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in the funeral home chapel with interment following in Parklawn Memorial Park.