George S Harrison

Yea, Though I walk through the valleyOf the shadow of death, I shall fearno evil, for thou art with me.Psalm 23:4Ardently devoted husband and father, passed away on November 13, 2009 at Bethany Manor, Horseheads, NY. George was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania on April 2, 1919 to George P. and Eleanor H. Harrison. He was raised in Elmira and remained an Elmiran for his entire life. George married Eleanor C. Harder on November 17, 1943. They are the proud parents of George W. Harrison and Edward S. Harrison. Over nearly 66 years of marriage, George devoted himself to his wife and sons as he assumed the role and responsibility of primary provider enabling his wife to remain at home and care especially for Edward who was born with Cerebral Palsy and mental retardation. With continuous love and support George encouraged Eleanor to pioneer for programs and services within the community for those who are mentally and physically challenged for over sixty years beginning from a near zero-based level.George's career spanned employment with American LaFrance, BMT Machine Tools, and Westing house Electric Corporation from which he retired in 1984. He was past program director for Junior Achievement of Chemung County and a member /trustee of Centenary United Methodist Church. He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, golf, winemaking, playing cards and bread baking. Every summer he would ensure a family vacation usually to the beaches in the Carolinas.George is pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Eleanor, on August 29, 2009. He is survived by his sons George W. Harrison and his wife, Virginia, of Halfmoon, NY and Edward S. Harrison of Pine City, NY. His grandchildren are Dr. Zachary E. Harrison and his wife, Evon, of Las Vegas, NV and Olivia M. Claypool and her husband, Steven of Ballston Spa, NY. George's great grandchildren are Jacob Carl Harrison Claypool, Emma Marie Claypool, and Kylee Thompson. He is also survived by nieces Claudia (David) Webber and Nadine Duckworth and nephews Robert (Marti) Jump and Richard (Linda) Jump.The family would especially like to express their gratitude to the staff of Skill 3 Bethany Manor for their care and compassion demonstrated to George during his last several years.A Memorial Service to honor George's life will be held on Sunday December 6, 2009 at 3:00 PM in New Beginnings United Methodist Church, 330 West Church Street, Elmira, NYIt was George's request that in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Chemung ARC Fund, 711 Sullivan., Elmira, NY 14901.