Russell Andrew Harrison

Russell Andrew Harrison, age 86, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21st. Russ was born on June 7, 1939 in Washington DC to Edna Mae Gibbs Harrison and Clifford Harrison. He was one of 9 children. He lived most of his life in the Northern Virginia metro area and moved to Cary in 2004.

Russ is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Carol Harrison along with daughters Dawn Glaser (Robert) and Beth Harrison (Jeff Gunzelman). Russ was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Danielle Elsbrock, Alison Heenan, Lt. Haley Glaser (USN), Sasha Harrison and Riley Harrison along with 3 great grandchildren, Tillie Elsbrock, Lainey Elsbrock and Cal Heenan. He is also survived by brother-in-law George Sheflett and wife

Sharon along with siblings Penny Latham, Susie Campbell, and Elizabeth Francisco.

He was a passionate “Family Man” and enjoyed gathering with his children and grandchildren to share stories about growing up on the streets of Washington DC in the 1940s and 50s. Known by “Toot” to his grandchildren, he was a skilled bowler and an avid Washington Redskins fan!

Russ sold his first car at the age of 18 and spent the next 50+ years in the automotive industry. From being a sales manager to a parts store owner, his ability and passion to discuss all makes and models of cars provided him a lifetime of friendships in the automotive industry. He worked for countless dealers in the Washington DC area before bringing his sales skills to Raleigh dealerships.

Until his last day, Russ loved being outside tending to his lawn and garden and well as talking to his tomato plants. Since a health scare in 2022, Russ enjoyed sitting on the back porch of his home enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Carolina sunshine. Anyone who knew Russ knows that he was a positive, happy friend to all; a consummate sales person, a true “Car Guy” and a great father. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Notes and cards can be sent to the family home at 603 Cricketfield Lane, Cary, NC 27518.

The family is planning a private celebration later this year.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Harrison family.