Charles "Charlie" Edwin Harrison Jr.

On the Afternoon of May 23th, 2019 Charles “Charlie” Edwin Harrison Jr passed away peacefully with family and close friends holding him until his last breath. The family sent him off with a toast holding his favorite beer Miller Lite and played the “Eyes of Texas” Texas Fight Song throwing up the Hook’em Horns. It was the perfect way a Longhorn Football fanatic would want to go.

Charlie was born on September 30th, 1949 in Burnet, Texas. He always carried such an LBJ like affinity for the Hill Country especially the gorgeous ranch land his Grandfather left him back in the 1970’s. Throughout his childhood he went to 12 different schools during his twelve years of education which helped shape his “no complaining just get it done” attitude. He went on to graduate from The University of Texas at Austin in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While in school, he was beyond lucky to be asked to go on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1970. After meeting his beautiful soulmate Patricia “Patti” Murphy the magic began. It was a one of a kind romance that lasted 49 years including almost 47 years of marriage. They married on June 24, 1972.

He worked in the following places making a lasting impact anywhere his award-winning leadership skills landed him. He began his career at the State of Texas Treasury where he sat for the CPA exam. After completing the CPA exam Charlie went to work for one of the Big 8 accounting firms which was the start of a very long and successful career. After the Big 8 firm left Austin, Charlie decided it would be best to stay in his beloved Austin, Texas. The following are the places Charlie worked: State Auditor Office where he met his best friend Paul Hagen, Texas Property Tax Board, Harrison and Porterfield CPA firm, CFO of Texas Attorney General’s Office, CFO/Executive and Deputy Commissioner at Texas Rehabilitation Commission, and ended his career as COO/CFO of Austin Integral Career.

He had a deep passion for service to his community and always believed in Rotary’s Motto Service Above Self. He served on numerous organization’s boards making a lasting impact. He was a member of the Jaycees, Northwest Austin Rotary, three term Elder at Hope Presbyterian, Marshall at Legends of Golf, Kinkos Classic and Hole Captain at Dell Matchplay. He was passionate about homelessness issues and responsible for starting the homeless shelter program at Hope Presbyterian Church. He was one of the Founders of Town and Country Optimist where he coached, umpired and watched his sons and many of their friends play sports throughout their childhood years.

Mayor Leffingwell of the City of Austin declared May 30th, 2014 Charlie Harrison Day in honor of his retirement and years of impactful service to the Austin community. In his short retirement he spent time golfing, volunteering at St. David’s, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Charles E. Harrison Jr. was the best Husband, Father and Friend anyone could dream of. He is survived by his wife of 47 years , Sons Patrick and Brandon Harrison of Austin, TX, Brother in Law Mike Murphy of Austin, Nephew Michael and wife Sue Inonog-Murphy and their daughter Eliza Jane Murphy of Somerville, Mass, His best friend of 45 plus years Paul Hagen and wife Ginger of Georgetown, TX and daughter Lindsey of Austin, TX, Bobby and Patty Murphy of Silverdale, Washington, Gini Murphy of Georgetown, TX and her brother John Tate of Russellville, Arkansas, His Aunt Loretha Rhoderick, cousin Ed and his wife Rovelle Rhoderick of Silverton, TX, His Cousin Jimmy Rhoderick and wife Cheryl Rhoderick of Amarillo, TX, His cousin Wresha and her husband Alex Torres of Pflugerville, TX, and MaryAnn Kraemer and husband Ken of Round Rock, TX. Charlie had many close friends that were like family to him and you know who you are, and he loved and cherished you.

Charlie Harrison was preceded in death by his parents Charles E. Harrison Sr. and Lillian Harrison of Burnet, TX, Mother in law Jane Murphy of Austin, TX and his Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.

The family wishes to thank the following: Dr. David Morris, Dr. Harry Thomas, Dr. Binh Pham, Dr. Viet Tran and all the doctors at Pulmonary Critical Care, Physical Therapist Cheray Haverland, Speech Therapist Lori Wheeler, Drive a Senior Northwest Drivers: Milt Cram, Richard Chidlow, Reeve Hobbie, Steve Walker, Linden Welsch and Jimmy Wilson.

The Angel Nurses at Seton ICU B3 showed great compassion and strength for Charlie and his family during his last week on earth. The family wanted to send love and special thanks to Jacob, Rebecca, Lauren, Pam and Kristin. Special thanks to Stephanie from Seton Palliative Care team and Chaplain Caroline along with many of the support staff at Seton ICU. The family also wanted to send a special thank you to Amy and Susie at St. David’s who were with us every step of the way for his long stay at that hospital. Everyone mentioned above helped this family greatly and they are forever in the Harrison’s hearts.

It was a very hard year for the Harrison family. Charlie never complained once throughout all the challenges he faced. The family was inspired by his unique courage and strength and kept fighting right alongside him until the end.

A celebration of life and memorial will be held June 15, 2019 at 11am. The service will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church on 11512 Olson Dr. in Austin Texas. The family asks that you wear your best Burnt Orange Longhorn outfit to honor Charlie and that means all you Aggies, Red Raiders and Sooners as well. That was a joke from Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Austin Pets Alive, Austin Mobile Loaves and Fishes, The Rotary Foundation, Northwest Drive a Senior and Hope Presbyterian Memorial Garden. The family requests that you take a moment to share some of your special memories of Charlie on the memorial website so that they can read them later.