Richard R Harrison Jr.

Richard (Rick) Russel Harrison, Jr., 75, of Silver Spring, MD, passed away, November 23, 2017 at Holy Cross Hospital. Rick was born on April 28, 1942 in Abilene, Kansas to Richard Harrison, Sr, and Juanita Gary Harrison. He graduated from Spingarn High School in Washington, DC in 1959; immediately enlisted in the Army National Guard, and also went on to attend Howard University, where he met and would marry, Gayle Davis Harrison in 1963. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from University of Maryland, University College. Rick worked at the U.S. Department of Interior for 25 years before retiring as the Director of Personnel, Bureau of Land Management in 1994. He left the Army National Guard in the early 1970s, but remained in the Army Reserves, retiring as a major after 18 years. In total, he gave over 30 years of service to the United States Government. Afterwards, he launched Harrison & Associates, an accounting and tax preparation firm. An avid saltwater fisherman, Rick, was a member of the Mystic Knights of the Sea Fishing Club. He also found great enjoyment in listening to jazz and classical music -- a love he inherited from his father who was himself a jazz musician and music teacher. Rick loved spending time with his friends and family -- especially his grandchildren. He never missed a game, recital, ceremony or event in which his grandkids were involved. Many will remember fighting over Rick’s delicious Chinese spare ribs, enjoyed at countless holiday parties, graduations, and special events. He is survived by his wife Gayle, son Jeffrey Harrison, daughter Gina Harrison, four grandchildren: Maya Jefferson, Morgan Jefferson, Cole Jefferson, and Isabella Harrison, sister Garrie Dozier, sisters-in-law Reverend Dorothy McKinney Wright, Lola Gordon, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, family, friends and fishing buddies. He was a kind and patient person who was adored by all. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Juanita Harrison, Sr. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home at 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20904. The family will be available for greeting from 10:30AM - 11:00AM and the Memorial Service will begin at 11:00AM. A private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.