Thurman Harrison

Thurman Harrison, 92, of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 17, 2022. Thurman was born on Easter morning, April 20, 1930, to Milton and Jimmie Harrison in Sparkman, Arkansas.

Thurman grew up in Princeton, Arkansas as the baby boy with four older brothers; his baby sister was born two years later. His father, Milton Harrison, a farmer and Pastor, was a great influence on his life. At one point, Milton advocated for his children to attend the neighborhood school that was designated for white children only. Segregation was strongly enforced during the 1930's in Arkansas. The school used the black children's names only, to increase their enrollment and funds from the State of Arkansas.

Growing up on a farm, Thurman began his love of hunting and fishing. After finishing school, Thurman moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he met, fell in love, and married Earlene Dyson; in the summer of 1953.

Three years and three children later, during a hunting trip to Colorado, Thurman enjoyed Colorado and decided to move his young, growing, family to Denver, Colorado; in February, 1957. Two more children were born in Denver, which made a total of five children. Thurman was first employed as a tree trimmer for the City of Denver; skills he cultivated in Arkansas. He looked forward to expanding his entrepreneurial spirit to become a Real Estate salesman. This eventually led to establishing his own office as a Real Estate Broker. Soon his ambition realized he had the ability to be selected to serve on the FHA, VA and Conventional Panels as an Independent Fee Appraiser. Thurman was one of the first Black Appraisers in the State of Colorado. He worked in the Real Estate/Appraisal profession for over 50 years.

Thurman was an avid believer in God, and Christ, through his faith in the AME church. He also enjoyed organizing and attending family reunions with relatives from Colorado, Kansas City, Missouri and Arkansas. His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, golf, and watching boxing matches and Dodgers baseball. Accompanying him through all of life's ups and downs was his first and only love, Earlene Harrison. They stayed married for 66 years.

Thurman is predeceased by his wife, Earlene Harrison, his parents, Milton and Jimmie Harrison, four brothers, LB, MC, Glen and Gladin Harrison, sister, Geneva Cook, two sons, Steven and Thurman Jr., Harrison, and grandson, Steven Cody Harrison. Thurman is survived by two daughters, Ethal Jimalene Harrison, Deborah Jean Latour (Ronnie), one son, Wayne Russ Harrison, five granddaughters: Vanita Miles, Danyela Vick (Larry), Haylee Hammond, Patience Baker, and Catlin Harrison; three great- grandsons, Wayne Newman, Kyle and Kody Miles, three great-great grandsons and a host of relatives and friends.

Matthew 11: 28-30 " Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Harrison family.