Andrew Harrison

Andrew Harrison was born February 26, 1942, to Marion and
Maggie (Smith) Harrison in Fairfield County, South Carolina.
Andrew received his formal education within the Fairfield
County School District during a time when a quality education
wasn’t easily accessible to people of color. This set ablaze
a
passion for learning and a genuine care and concern for others
that he later instilled in his children. This led him to pursue
a
bachelor’s degree in social work from Benedict College. While
there he was drafted into the United States Army and was
stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. While in the military, he played
saxophone in the band and served as a sharpshooter.
Once
discharged he returned to Benedict College and completed his
bachelor’s degree in 1969.
Shortly after Mr. Harrison married the love of his life, Patricia
Ann Strong on August 2, 1969. The couple soon relocated to
Richmond, Virginia, where Andrew matriculated through
Virginia Commonwealth University, obtaining a Master of Social
Work. The couple then returned to South Carolina where
Andrew began his career as a

psychiatric social worker with the
South Carolina Department of Mental Health. Mr. Harrison
retired from the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs
Medical Center as a psychiatric social worker in December 2007,
having helped countless veterans over his 30-year tenure within
the organization. Although Mr. Harrison was a social worker by
occupation,

he thoroughly enjoyed engaging in home
improvement projects and was quite handy. Indeed, his wife
affectionately called him, “Handy Andy.” Mr. Harrison loved his
children immensely, instilling his values and work ethic in them.
He also absolutely adored his grandchildren. Thus, he was
integral in the rearing of Azsa and Aubrey.
Mr. Harrison was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers
Curtis Harrison, Nathaniel Harrison, Ernest Harrison,
and

George
Harrison; and four sisters, Ruth Belton, Willie Mae Canty,
Inita Moon, and Barbara Ann Jenkins.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of
54
years Patricia Ann Strong of the home and two doting
daughters: Calandra Davis and Andrea (Monty) Phronebarger.
Andrew is also survived by

a son, Cale Carter; two brothers:

James
(Natsumi) Harrison and Charles (Vivian) Harrsion;
two

sisters: Bessie Wood and Dorothy (James) Price; two sisters-in-
law: Susie Harrison and Viette Harrison; one brother-in-law:

Robert (Rosemary) Strong; one granddaughter: Azsa Davis; and
one grandson: Aubrey Davis.

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