Thomas Harrison

Obituary: Thomas Edison Harrison, 85, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2016 with his beloved wife and daughters by his side. He was born October 15, 1931 in Wake County, NC to the late Annie Frances Lowery and Onnis Hugh Harrison Sr. He was a devoted husband and father who loved spending time with his family. Thomas was a 1962 graduate of NC State University School of Textiles where he was honored with the Outstanding Senior Award. Upon graduation he relocated to Kannapolis where he made his career with Cannon Mills. Thomas was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and found great joy in the fellowship of various senior trips and the men's Thursday morning prayer breakfast. Before passing Thomas forged a trail of laughter, generosity, compassion, and wisdom. An avid Democrat and free thinker, he relished time walking and talking with neighbors where he was affectionately known as the Mayor of Ridge Avenue. He enjoyed Wonders football, socializing with friends at Hardees, and chatting with locals at the Farmer's Market. When not 'patrolling the sidewalks' you might find Tommy growing and tending his 'mater' plants, sharing joke emails with friends, or inside channel surfing. He always kept pen and paper handy for his enthusiastic way of embracing all pros and cons of any situation. Even during his quick decline in health his personality shown through to his hospital team as being "precious and quirky" and always referred to him as a good man with a big heart. Thomas is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann Ray, of Wake County and three daughters Alicia Bartholomew (Anthony), Marcia Harrison (Doug), and Sue Kareiva (Keith); his sisters, Elizabeth Keith and JoAnn Rogers; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. He is predeceased by two siblings O.H. Harrison Jr. and Alice Ray. In honor of Thomas, there will be a gathering of family and friends at Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel, Kannapolis, NC, at 3:00 pm Thursday, November 17, 2016 with Dr. Tom Cabannis officiating. Visitation will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Building Fund, First Baptist Church, 101 North Main Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081. On-line condolences can be made at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com. Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis is serving the Harrison family.
Visitation: After the Service

Service: 3:00 PM Thursday November 17, 2016 Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel

Interment: Private