By Grace Thornton
The Alabama Baptist
Edward Harrison had several young ladies from home writing him letters during World War II, but one stood out — the one he sent his tithe to.
“He knew he could trust her to get it to the church for him,” said Harrison’s daughter, Ava Rozelle. “When he told one of his friends that, he said, ‘Sounds like she’s the one you need to marry.’”
When the war was over, he did.
He and Jean started a family and a long life of faithful ministry at Dry Valley Baptist Church, Lincoln. They raised Rozelle and her two brothers to love Christ and built a legacy that impacted many people in the community.
Through the years, Harrison supported the pastors of his church and encouraged fellow church members to stay strong in their faith.
Bill Pruitt, Dry Valley’s pastor, called Harrison a “pillar” of the church and a “dedicated witness” for Christ.
“At age 95 he continued to drive himself to Dry Valley for Sunday morning, evening and prayer meeting on Wednesday,” Pruitt said. “He is a dedicated student of the Bible and lives its truth.”
‘He’s pretty special’
This month marks the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, and Harrison — now 100 — is one of about 300,000 living U.S. WWII veterans, as is James Carson, who was featured in the May 21 issue.
Harrison’s wife died just before their 65th wedding anniversary in 2013. He recently moved to skilled nursing care and is isolated because of the current COVID-19 restrictions, but Rozelle said he’s still making an impact right where he is.
“I’m biased, but I think he’s pretty special,” she said.
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