Joseph C. Harrison, Jr.

Joe C. Harrison Jr., age 90 of San Antonio, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, following a brief illness. Joe was born to Joe C. and Evelyn Northington Harrison on November 18, 1933, in Port Arthur, TX. Joe grew up and attended school in Temple, TX graduating from Temple High School in 1952, Temple Junior College in 1954 and the University of Texas in 1956. The friendships of his early years remained strong throughout his life.

In his youth, Joe was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship and while attending another small town’s fellowship meeting, he met the most beautiful girl he had ever seen; fourteen-year-old Jane Keetch from nearby Belton. That chance meeting developed into a courtship that continued through college. They were married on April 30, 1955. Thus began a 58-year love affair. Jane recalled that their grades in school improved dramatically after they tied the knot.

Through their union, they were blessed with three wonderful children; daughters Lisa Bliss of San Antonio, Teri Diaz de Leon, of Barcelona, Spain, and a son, Hunter Harrison of Greensboro, N.C. Joe’s memory is also cherished by his sons-in-law Mark Bliss and Richard Diaz de Leon and daughter in law Mary Lee Harrison along with his grandchildren Jason Harrison, Sarah Bliss, Evan Bliss and a great granddaughter Merle Jane Monnat and Sarah’s husband John Monnat. Joe is preceded in death by his wife Jane Harrison, his mother, father and sister, Mary Louise Kelley.

Joe was active in his church life during his earlier years, serving as Junior and Senior Warden and Boy Scouts Counselor for St. George Episcopal Church and later in other lay services at Christ Episcopal Church. In 1973, after working in the automobile sales industry, serving for 15 years, Joe and Jane purchased a small Honda motorcycle dealership in San Antonio where they worked side by side for thirty-five years. Over the years, through their dedication, hard work, and a committed team of talented employees, their tiny store front shop grew into one of the most successful multi-line dealerships in Texas. Joe would frequently tell his employees, “We will never be the largest dealership in Texas, but I want us to always strive to be the very best.”

Joe was active in the advancement of the motorcycle industry serving as president of the Texas Motorcycle Dealer Association during its early development and was a charter member of the American Honda Motorcycle Dealer Advisory Council and the BMW of North America Motorcycle Dealer Advisory Council.

Joe and Jane’s mutual devotion to each other, their family, employees and so many loyal customers made those years the most fulfilling of their lives.

Joe enjoyed golf throughout his life, with Jane discovering the game after retirement. They also cherished many years of sailing adventures to near and far shores on their much-loved trawler “Honey Island.”

During the years they owned and managed Joe Harrison Motor Sports, Joe and Jane touched the lives of so many young men and women who were in their early formative years. Joe frequently mentioned this was a major source of satisfaction for both he and Jane. He especially loved to hear from those individuals years later about how their training and counseling while working at the dealership had been so beneficial as they moved forward into adulthood.

In his later years, upon parting from his family or friends, as he waved goodbye, Joe would frequently say “Hey, if I don’t see you again, I want you to know it’s been a great ride!” And so it was.

Joe’s family would like to thank Beverly Bigham for her devotion and tenderness towards Joe during his illness. You brought joy and adventure back into Joe’s life after Jane passed away in 2013. We are forever thankful to Stan and Janine Waggoner and Ivan and Diane Estes for your enduring friendship. We want to thank Dr. Fernando Lopez and Joe’s primary caregiver Belinda Nunez for your care and support during Joe’s final days. We know Joe felt loved, supported, and cherished.

And now, may he cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees

Funeral ServiceFriday June 28, 2024 12:00 PMChrist Episcopal Church510 Belknap Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212