Harrison Ray Daniels Sr.

April 6, 1947 – January 12, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harrison Ray Daniels, who departed this life on January 12, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on April 6, 1947, in Raeford, North Carolina, Harrison was the youngest child of Evelyn Tyson Daniels and Robert "Bob" Jackson Daniels. He was the beloved brother of Bobbie Daniels Lovette and Robert Earl Daniels.

Harrison was a man of deep love and devotion, especially to his late wife, Kathy Jean Pridgen Daniels, who he affectionately called the love of his life. Their story began in the early 1970s when Harrison, working at Burlington Industries, spotted a gorgeous young brunette and seized the moment by offering her a piece of Juicy Fruit gum and inviting her out dancing—a gesture that marked the beginning of their beautiful journey together. The two were married on September 22, 1973, in Kathy’s parents’ home in Red Springs, NC. Their union blended two families, with Kathy embracing Harrison's daughter, Karen Sue, and Harrison welcoming Kathy’s son, Craven Lynn Pridgen. Together, they added two more children, Harrison Ray Daniels and Gerrian Camille Daniels, creating a family full of love and laughter. Harrison and Kathy shared 46 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2020.

Throughout his life, Harrison pursued a variety of careers and ventures. From his early days picking tobacco—where he coined the memorable phrase, "We're in the short rows now" when physical work was near completion or needing a little extra motivation—to operating a forklift at Burlington Industries, managing Red Springs Cable, locating underground utilities with CLS, and working alongside Kathy in various entrepreneurial pursuits, Harrison was a man of determination and resourcefulness. He and Kathy ran side businesses including a multi-level marketing company, a pool hall, selling Christmas trees, a thrift store and operating a food truck known for its hot dogs.

A man of many passions, Harrison loved playing softball in the industrial league in Raeford, where he earned numerous awards over 22 years. He enjoyed hunting with the OPL Hunting Club. On many days, this group of men would come home with their big-antlered prizes due to a strategy Harrison had planned. He cherished fishing trips with his brother Earl and taught his fishing skills to all his children. Harrison loved shag dancing to beach music with Kathy. They spent many years vacationing with family and friends at White Lake and the beach. In his later years, he delighted his grandchildren with games, card tricks and magic, showing the same playful, loving spirit that endeared him to so many.

Harrison had a gift for making others laugh, always ready with a witty one-liner or a joke to brighten someone’s day. His easy-going nature, selflessness, and gentle heart made him a friend to all who knew him. Harrison’s kindness and humor left an unforgettable mark on the lives of his family and friends, and his memory will be cherished forever.

Harrison is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Bob Daniels, his sister Bobbie Lovette, and his wife, Kathy Jean Pridgen Daniels. He is survived by his children, Karen Daniels Gibson, Craven Lynn Pridgen (Teresa), Harrison Ray Daniels, Jr. (Candace), and Gerrian Camille Daniels (Mark Joas), as well as his brother, Robert Earl Daniels. (Barbara). Grandchildren, Zack Vaughn (Haleigh), Crystal Vaughn, Caroline Pridgen Klatt (Dalton), Charles Pridgen (Hallie), Chris Sheppard (Roxanne), Kenny Kirk Emanuel (Taylor), Ethan Lupo (Sam), Nicholas House, Toby Sheehan, Alyssa Hartwell, several great-grandchildren, extended family and dear friends who will miss him dearly.

Harrison Ray Daniels lived a life full of love, laughter, and service to others. He will be remembered not only for the joy he brought to those around him but for the legacy of fun, love and kindness he leaves behind.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church 379 W Palmer St, Raeford, NC 28376.