DURHAM — Paul Clifford Harrison, 93, died Saturday, July 4, 2009, at Croasdaile Village Retirement Home in Durham. 

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Mr. Harrison was a native and long-time resident of Roanoke Rapids and lived on his family farm until 2000. He was preceded in death by his mother, Adelee Hockaday Harrison, and father, Millard “Mac” Francis Harrison; his beloved sisters, Danridge Harrison, Dinah Harrison, Mae Henderson, Odine Taylor; and two brothers “Son” and “Bud” Harrison.

His wife, Edith Wright Harrison, died in 1979, and they are survived by their only child, Kathy Harrison of Chapel Hill, who was a faithful caregiver and loving daughter. He is also survived by two nephews, Ed Henderson and his wife, Barbara, of Hendersonville and Cranford Taylor and his wife, Beverly, of Seneca, S.C.; and nieces, Priscilla Davis and Nita Harrison Lambeth of Roanoke Rapids and Brenda Madison of Nags Head.

Mr. Harrison was a veteran of World War II and served on the USS John P. Gray, a destroyer escort in the Pacific fleet. He was discharged in San Diego and wrote his mother he would take a month or so coming home. When family would ask about the war, Cliff would always say he was never afraid and never got seasick. Upon his return to Roanoke Rapids, he worked for McPherson Beverage Company and Gowen Oil Company. However, he was always a farmer at heart and was happiest when working the family farm. In later years, he worked with his best friend, Sanford Cook, at Roanoke Rapids Air Force Station and retired in 1978. He was a man who could do almost anything and was always ready to help family and friends.

After his wife’s death, he became a member of Rosemary Methodist Church and there met his cherished friend, Beth Garner. He was devoted to Beth and her wonderful children and grandchildren. They all were faithful to him and cared deeply for him always. They are Nancy Garner Moseley and her husband, Wendell, Ann Garner Phillips and her husband, Wrenn, both of Roanoke Rapids, Scott Garner and his wife, Allison, of Matthews; and their many special children and grandchildren. They were a constant source of joy.

Mr. Harrison’s arrangements will be handled by Cremation Society of North Carolina and a family service is planned for the fall at the daughter’s home in Chapel Hill.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Paul Clifford Harrison’s memory to Rosemary United Methodist Church, 900 Jackson St., Roanoke Rapids NC 27870.