Lee “Lee Boy” Johnson Harrison was born August 15, 1928 in Grand Chenier to the late Simon and Lillie Harrison. He attended a one room-school held in The Church of God in Christ located in “The District” at Grand Chenier. Lee received his high school equivalency diploma from Audrey Memorial on October 4, 1965. He was a Private in the United States Army and was stationed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1951.
Lee was first employed by Crain Brothers a company that manufactured “Marsh Buggies” owned and operated by John Paul Crain. He assisted with building and repairing the patented vehicles. Lee obtained another job along –side his father Simon as Co-Captain of the “True Friend” a supply boat operated by the Nunez Boat Service Company owned by Lee R. Nunez, Sr. The True Friend had a contract with the very first oil platform well drilled in the Gulf of Mexico in 1937. On June 12, 1958 Lee received his first license from the United States Coast Guard as an operator of passenger carrying vessels. In 1960 he became a pumper and Port Captain for Sam L. Warren both onshore and offshore. Simultaneously, he worked as a part-time deputy for the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Department where he retired in the late 1960’s.
Taking a leap of faith, Lee formed his own company Harrison Oil Well Service, in 1972. The company was incorporated June 1, 1982 and renamed Harrison Production Services, Incorporated. Lee accumulated over 43 years as owner and operator; a milestone deserving many accolades. In honor of his devotion to his work he was named the 54th Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival King in 2011 which recognized business owner contributions to the oil industry; the first African American selected as King. Lee served as the Chairman and a Board Member at Large of the Cameron Parish Democratic Committee. He also was a board member of the Cameron Council of Aging Inc., a member of the Tourism Commission and Cameron Historical Society. He received the Governor’s Legacy of Achievement Award in 2009
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Lee was a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and currently a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Lake Charles.
He leaves to cherish his memory a faithful wife of 62 years the former Wanita Bartie; four sons Dr. Gregory O. Harrison (Suzanne) of Cobden, Illinois, Marlon V. Harrison, Attorney (Renza) of Baton Rouge, Dexter G. Harrison, CPA, MBA (Tere) of Richmond, Texas and MacArthur Dozier (Delores) of Lake Charles. He is the proud grandfather of Wendy Hairston, Rian, Michael, Chloe and Cristen Harrison; 2 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Lee will always be remembered for his service to our great country and steadfast work ethic in which he assumed his entire career.
Visitation is Saturday March 10th from 9:00 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5495 Elliott Road, Lake Charles, Louisiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. conducted by Monsignor Jace Eskind; Interment Consolata Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
