Byron Harrison

Byron W. Harrison was invited to tee off in God’s Grand Golf Invitational on January 24, 2021.

Byron burst into this world in Wichita Falls on May 3, 1952 and graced the planet with his presence. His parents, Wayne and Edwina Harrison, were so impressed with him, they tried three more times for the same perfection. Byron and his siblings Susan, Beth and Alan grew up together in the oil patch of Odessa, Texas. Wayne, Susan and Alan went on ahead to save Byron a seat in God’s kingdom.

At the ripe old age of 8, Byron created his first job selling fruit on the side of the road. He was a wild success, but that’s not how he retired.

He stayed in school and graduated from Odessa High School, where his track legacy lives on today. In fact, none of the Harrison children have been able to beat his 440-yard dash time, and he would like that noted here.

In college he studied business, but one of the most important things he picked up was a golf club. Byron fell in love with the greens, but he bled black and red as a Texas Tech Red Raider grad.

A few years after graduation he married his first sweetheart, Donna (Yeary) Harrison. Donna and Byron were blessed with three children, Matthew Harrison, Nicholas Harrison, and Megan (Harrison) Coy. Donna passed away in 2006, so she was surely waiting for him at the pearly gates with his dogs Sadie, Riley, Gracie, and Tucker eager to pull Byron along for a walk.

Byron served as general manager of H&S Valve until 2020 when he locked his office door and started his well-deserved retirement.

In 2010 he met his second sweetheart Sherrie (Smith) Harrison, and those two went gallivanting around the globe for 11 years. Byron was recently voted “Best Bonus Dad Ever” by Sherrie’s kids, Crystal (Smith) Henry and Tyler Smith.

Byron also loved his bonus kids, Jesamy Ferguson, Buster Coy, Cary Henry and Alexandra Smith, who helped give him his most precious gifts — the grands. In addition to being Byron and Dad, one of his most prestigious titles was Papa. His grandchildren, Ava, Corbin, Kingston, Sunny, Violet and Titus will uphold Byron’s memory as the most caring, silly, adoring Papa to ever make snowman pancakes.

Byron Harrison loved golf, he loved old movies, he loved music, he loved dogs, and he loved his family and friends. Byron loved.

Jesus told his disciples: “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” If we measure love as Jesus did, then who loved more greatly than Byron?

And although his heavenly tee time came too soon for those of us left in this earthly clubhouse, we will caddy and carry his memories until we are reunited with him once again.

In lieu of flowers, Byron would love to throw a dog a bone. So please consider donating to the Odessa Humane Society or a local dog rescue of your choice.