Ernest Harrison Jr. Obituary (1923 - 2022)

Ernest Harrison Jr, 99 of Normal passed away at Villas of Hollybrook - Fox Creek Road in Bloomington at 4:15 PM on Wednesday November 30, 2022. There will be a visitation from 11:30-1:30 PM Tuesday December 6, 2022, at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington. A private interment will be held later at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. Ernest was born in Lucas, Kentucky on October 26, 1923, to Ernest Sr and Alma Harrison. He married Colleen Harvey April 25, 1943. She preceded him in death. He then married Louise Devault on March 25, 1982. She preceded him in death. He later married Barbara Leeper on May 22, 2002. She preceded him in death. He is survived by two children, Gary (Bobbi) Harrison of Galesburg, IL, Becky (Danny) Rieger of Bloomington, three grandchildren, Laura Maly, Lyndi (Ryan) Alberts, Joe (Chelsea) Rieger and one sister, Betty Hines of Bloomington. He attended Normal Community High School and served in the Navy. He served on civic and professional boards, including church boards, the United Way and as President of the Prairieland Credit Union. In addition to being a skillful machinist for Eureka Williams Company, he cultivated his skills as a painter, stained glass craftsman, master carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, and a master cabinetmaker. There was no auto or home repair task that he did not venture to tackle. He will always be remembered for his willingness to help others. The family would like to give a special thank you to the Blair House and to Villas of Hollybrook for the great care they showed Ernest and the family. Because of his love for cats, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Sterile Feral Foundation, PO Box 3413, Bloomington, IL 61702-3413.