Harrison Prince

Thomas “Harrison” Prince, born 10/30/90 in Albany, NY, died 07/24/22 at home with his brother Alexander, new sister-in-law Morgan, best friend/cousin Daniel, Aunt Nita and mother, Margaret by his side. He was loved every single minute of his life.

There was a before and an after for Harrison.

Harrison was tragically injured at age four in a head-on collision with a driver who had Alzheimer’s disease.

Before the accident, Harrison was a companionable, talkative, funny, independent, messy, knock-kneed, lispy, uncoordinated, book-dirt-truck-snow-chocolate milk loving little boy. He was adored by his brother, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was treasured. He was precious. He was loved.

After the accident, Harrison lost his ability to speak. He endured a lifelong seizure condition and various other maladies tied to his traumatic brain injury.

Harrison was happy despite his many difficulties. He had a rich life in the most important of ways. He assumed the best in others and drew people toward him with his gentle, loving nature.

His life was made better by the teachers and aides at Ocean Palms Elementary, Neptune Beach Elementary, Kernan Middle School and Alden Road Exceptional Student Center.

He lived part of his life at home, then much of his life at Hodges Cluster Home. Harrison’s, and his family’s, sense of family grew enormously when he moved to Hodges. He was treated with gentle care every step of the way. Hodges Cluster Home’s therapists; nurses; administrators; managers; maintenance, housekeeping, dietary, kitchen and daily care staff greatly enriched Harrison’s life. Those who cared for Harrison, and there were many, grew to love his personality little bits at a time, and he loved them deeply. He learned the voices of his caregivers and was responsive in ways they understood. He smiled often. He loved fully.

Harrison spent more time than most at dentists, doctors, and hospitals. He was brave, accepting and tolerant of a lifetime of procedures and surgeries. He was always treated with dignity and kindness.

Thank you to all who impacted, and who were impacted by the life of Thomas Harrison Prince. He was treasured. He was precious. He was loved.

In lieu of flowers, Harrison’s family ask that you consider donating to Grottoes Humanitarian Foundation, a charity that provides free dental care to special needs individuals.

A gathering to honor Harrison will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 4:00 PM at his family home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.