William Bill Baxter Harrison Jr.

HARRISON JR, William Baxter (Bill), 95, of Tampa, passed away on July 9, 2015 in Tampa. He was born on March 14, 1920 in Brooksville, KY to the late William Baxter Harrison Sr. and Alberta Elizabeth Stevenson Harrison. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth May West Harrison of 49 years and his brother, Robert Harrison. He is survived by his son, William and his wife Linda of Kalamazoo; daughter, Barbara Savage and her husband Bruce of Tampa; granddaughters, Susan Hamm and her husband Darren of Wisconsin and Erin Van Auken and her husband Wesley of Land O Lakes. Also surviving are his great grandchildren, Jacob and Emma Van Hook of Land O Lakes and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was a kind, honest, generous and talented man. He retired from the Tampa Post Office in 1980 and lived a full and creative life in his retirement. He cut and polished gems carved beautiful stone figures and made and played many musical instruments especially mountain dulcimers. Bill enjoyed trips to the Ozarks learning to play the autoharp. He was part of the Greatest Generation having served in the Army during WWII in Alaska at Dutch Harbor. He loved the summers in Alaska with the beautiful wildlife and fishing. He was a voracious reader, even when macular degeneration robbed him of his vision; he continued to enjoy his books by audio tapes. Bill never met a stranger. In 2012 he moved to Shady Palms ALF and made many new friends. The family would like to offer their thanks to all of his many caregivers who aided him in the last few years, especially during his last month. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Lifepath Hospice of Tampa. A funeral service will be held at 6 PM on Sunday, July 12th from the Carrollwood Chapel of Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 3207 W. Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 5 PM until the time of the service at 6 PM. Bill will be interred in Erlanger, KY with wife and soulmate Betty. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com.