Dwight Eugene Harrison

Dwight E. Harrison, 70, of Houston went home to the Lord on August 13, 2021.

He was born, Dwight Eugene Harrison, on September 27, 1950 to Jack and Janet (Blumrich) Harrison. He joined big brother Kenneth and sister, Jacqueline, then two years later baby sister, Barbara, arrived to complete their loving family.

He is Preceded in death by his father, Jack Harrison, and mother, Janet Harrison.

Dwight is survived by one brother, Ken Harrison, and his wife, Nancy Harrison; two sisters, Jackie Harrison and her husband, Dale Ward; and Barbara Giddens and her husband, Tommy Giddens. Also surviving are nieces and nephews; Wendy Williams, Larry T. Dugie, Sr.; Diane Zerbe, Brian H. Dugie, Jenny Lester and Gordon Lester, Jr. as well as his dear friends--too many to name.

From an early age Dwight was athletic and also very competitive. He excelled as a good hitter in Little League and even made the Houston Chronicle sports page for literally smacking the horsehide over the fence for his team the Orioles. He had three homers to his credit when the story and picture ran. His love of baseball never ended as he continued to play in an adult Softball League well into his 40s. The Astros were his team, first at the Astrodome his Daddy helped build and later at Minute Maid Park. Over the years going to the ballpark became one of his favorite evening out with friends and family. Just last month he was able to see the Astros beat the Yankees in a late inning rally of 6 runs. Final score Yankees 7 - Astros 8 victory, along with Rodrigo Salinas.

Dwight graduated Jesse H. Jones High School Class of 1969, where he was active with the baseball team. He was proud to receive Special Recognition at his Commencement for Perfect Attendance. Anyone who knows Dwight knows how he valued commitments. School attendance was one of his early proving ground. If Dwight said he’d be someplace or do something you could count on him taking care of it. Following graduation in 1969, Dwight wasted no time joining the Army during the War of Vietnam. His induction was August 11, 1969 and he served his country in Germany and was released with an Honorable Discharge August 4, 1971. Ask Ken about Dwight’s baseball career for the US Army. He served his country as asked. When he came home he went back to school at San Jacinto College where he enjoyed being on the Gymnastic team with that famous Houstonian, Patrick Swayze. After college graduation he wore his ring from them with continuing pride.

For 42 years Dwight attended the Wurstfest, a unique annual celebration in German culture and lots of Texas fun. Forced to miss the festival twice in all those years due to knee issues. At the festival before (Covid) with the swell of thousands of people he was amazed to run into his, niece Jenney Lester. They danced and caught up and promised to go the following year. But that was not to be as we all know what happened in 2020.

After Dwight returned home he went to work doing anything and he did it well. From memory I remember him putting Air Condition Systems in hugh builds downtown as well as brand new schools. Later he settled into his lifetime job as a Maintenance Engineer with Rohm and Hass. Climbing up and down several storied ladders to check and repair machinery throughout the plant. Between the ladders and the dancing Dwight wore out his knees and eventually had to have double knee replacement, then seven years later he had to do it all over again. To say Dwight knew how to live is to know he always gave 110% whether it was dancing or working.

During the 1990’s and 2000’s, Dwight was able to purchase 2 lots on the Lake Houston shoreline in Lakeview Terrace. He eventually built his (Retirement Home) as his permanent home. Where he enjoyed sunrises, sunset and boat rides on Lake Houston. With amazing friends his home has been filled with many hours or rowdy laughter and good food, with time spent in the lake and on the lake. Over the years Dwight shared his home with his loving yellow Labrador, Bingo for some 15 years. Recently he allowed the cat he called Oreo to entertain him by bringing him presents and sharing his nights. In his younger year before moving to the lake Dwight had a horse he enjoyed riding. Wearing one of his well-used cowboy hats.

Dwight was a volunteer at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for more than 20 years. He was a Lifetime Member and scheduled his vacation to coincide with the Rodeo Schedule every year and only missed during the time one of his Knee Surgeries made it impossible to stand, since he was in the Transportation Department.

After his retirement Dwight was not one to sit around, so he had to discover ways to entertain himself. He spent his mornings on his back porch that looked out at Lake Houston. He would usually be joined there by a deer family who came to get the corn he provided, sometimes right from his hands. Later he added building bird houses of every kind of theme, selling some and donating a bunch to auctions.

During retirement he was able to complete one of his dreams. Restore his 1936 Ford Pickup from its original purchase over 20 years before. He restored it to its original glory if not color. Painting the truck John Deere Green because it was one of the few colors he could see. Dwight was color blind so shades of green were special for him.

Dwight became involved with several small local organizations that honored veterans in their communities. He was a regular visitor at his cousin Jet and Vicki Thompson home at Onalaska near Lake Livingston he got to know locals and donated items twice a year for their benefit. Wall of Honor helps retired veterans and Dwight was very involved. He was generous anytime he was involved in, he gave his time and financial support also.

A few years ago when he start having some help issues and had to slow down many of his longtime friend rallied to help him keep up with his lake property. As anyone might when they start aging Dwight began to question just what might wait him after this life was over. That began a time of seeking information about the things God wanted him to know about his ultimate salvation. He attended Uvalde Baptist Church with Ken and realized that Jesus has provided for your salvation. On September 20, 2020 just a week before his 70th birthday he was baptized before family, friends and the congregation of Uvalde Baptist Church. He was a happy man, and many have said how these last couple of years, even in the mist of the pandemic he has seemed his happiest.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 starting at 9:00 AM at Forest Park East Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 10: 00 AM. Burial and military honors will take place at Forest Park East Cemetery.