John Thomas Harrison

John T. (“Monk”) Harrison, 95, of Pensacola, passed away peacefully at his home Monday evening, October 24, 2011. Mr. Harrison was a graduate of Pensacola High School (Class of 1938) and served in the United States Army. He was a decorated WW II Veteran that served with Headquarters Company 3rd Battalion 124th Infantry in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of Operations. Mr. Harrison earned the following awards: the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Presidential Unit Emblem, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service star, an Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII and a WWII Victory Medal. He also had a Marksman Badge with Machine Gun BAR. Following the war, Mr. Harrison worked as an electrician for several well-known electrical companies (often called “Pops” by his friends at Baroco, Amstrong, Daniels) and finished out his career working at Cordova Mall. In his sunset years, Mr. Harrison loved watching FSU football, watching western movies and listening to audio books by his favorite author Louis L’Amour and hanging out with his loyal companion/service dog named Peanut that could somehow always make him smile even when he was so tired he didn’t feel much like smiling.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Anatolie Marie Harrison (Nichols), his daughter Sylvia Marie Norton and several brothers. He is survived by his daughter, Karyn Norton, and son, John Lee Harrison, sons-in-law Bill Norton and David Norton, four grandchildren: Shannon Ashby, Angie Norton McMillan (Mike), and Wesley Norton and Brad Norton and was blessed with two great grandsons: Nathan and Ryan McMillan.

A celebration of his life will be Friday, October 28, 2011 at 3 pm at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service with a graveside entombment immediately following the service.

Mr. Harrison wanted to let his special angels, CJ and Fran, know how much they meant to him during his last few years and how much he truly appreciated all the kindnesses they bestowed on him to make his long days a little brighter and happier – he loved you both. The family wishes to give an extra special thanks to Baboonie Brown and Nancy James for the wonderful care they both provided to our father in the final years of his life and also to Emerald Coast Hospice for their help and support during the last few months.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Mr. Harrison’s service to his country, memorial contributions may be made for the training of service dogs for veterans at www.patriotpaws.org to bring help and smiles to those brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to defend our country.

Arrangements under the direction of Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, Pensacola, FL. Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com

Arrangements under the direction of Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, Pensacola, FL.