Obituary of Arthur Harrison

Arthur Harrison was born on August 23, 1929 to the late Samuel Harrison and Grace (Harrison) Royal (née Liggins) in Powhatan County, Virginia. At an early age Arthur was baptized and became a member of Little Zion Baptist Church in Powhatan, Virginia, where he maintained his support until he became ill. He attended the Powhatan Public Schools; elementary and middle, and graduated from Pocahontas High School. He decided not to attend college, and served as a military police in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to New Jersey and worked primarily as a mechanic and shop supervisor for 45 years, retiring from Gearhart Chevrolet in Denville in 1996. He was joined in holy matrimony to his beloved Bessie (Reid) on May 17, 1958. He joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in Orange, NJ, in 1958, serving as a Deacon and member until his passing. Arthur was steadfast in his faith, and loved the Lord! He was a teacher and mentor, and talked about the greatness of God to everyone, and in every conversation. He was a mentor and friend to many youth, and would collect and laminate copies of their achievements, awards, and graduations. He is a Past Master of Eureka Lodge #52, Montclair, NJ. He was a great historian who inspired others to seek the full glory of God, through his stories full of wisdom and a message in which you had to give deep thought. Arthur suffered a fall on Super Bowl Sunday in February of 2015, and for the last few years, he had major health challenges. He departed this life on April 14, 2018, surrounded by his doting family. He leaves to cherish fond memories: his loving and devoted wife, Bessie, of Montclair, NJ, brother, Ervin S. Royall (Rita) of Jettersville, VA, daughters; Felice A. Harrison-Crawford (Charles), of Montclair, NJ, Betty A. Moore of Margaretville, NY; grandson, Dwight J. Phillips of Montclair, NJ, a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church members and other friends. His parents (Samuel and Grace Harrison), brothers; Curtis Harrison, Augustus Royal, and sisters; Alice Booker (Harrison), Clarice Brown, (Harrison), Mary Brown (Harrison), Renia Crockett (Royal), and Margaret Royal, sons; Arthur Laird Harrison and Willie James Moore, both of Montclair, NJ, preceded him in death.