Benjamin Garner Harrison Jr.

Benjamin Garner Harrison Jr. died March 15, 2012, at the Walker Hospice facility of Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born July 8, 1927, in Vilonia, Ark., to Benjamin Garner and Mattie Powell Harrison. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby, in 1994. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, serving in the Pacific and on the Korean peninsula as a bomber mechanic. Between wars, he attended Arkansas State Teachers College, continuing his education after the Korean War in San Diego, Calif. He met his beloved wife, Ruby, in Savannah, Ga., and married in 1953. They moved to San Diego shortly afterward, lying on the beach in their car until they found employment. Ben first worked as a machinist at Convair for two years, then at North Island Naval Facility as a quality control officer. They moved to Fayetteville in 1979 to be close to his family. He occupied himself here by buying and operating T&W Industries until 1988, then working with his nephew-in-law buying and selling cars. Ben had plenty of fire and vinegar, but lived his life simply and by the Golden Rule. He was a non-judgmental man, unconcerned by race, creed or social standing. No one left his presence feeling diminished or belittled. He helped many people during his life. Were more like him, there would truly be no war. He was loved. He will be missed. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Harrison Hall; and his brother, Dr. Wm. F. Harrison. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Harrell and Martha Harrison; his sister-in-law, Betty Harrison; 12 nieces and nephews; and many great-and great-great-nieces and -nephews. There will be a simple graveside ceremony at 2 p.m. March 31 at the Plumerville Cemetery in Plumerville, Ark. The family requests, of anyone wishing to give, donations to Hospice in Fayetteville in lieu of flowers.