Mr. Joseph Michael Harrison's Obituary
Joseph Michael Harrison, age 70, of Alexander City, Alabama, passed away on August 23, 2025 following a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born on February 20, 1955 to Dr. James Harol Harrison and Mrs. Frances Denicola Harrison. His early years were spent on Ridgeway Drive and Meadowbrook neighborhoods making many lifelong friends.
Joe graduated from Benjamin Russell High School and Auburn University earning a degree in Health and Physical Education. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Joe was an educator and coach before he began his career with Russell Corporation. He was a dedicated Environment Health and Safety professional for many years at Russell Corporation. While there, he earned a Master of Public Health degree from UAB. After Russell, he managed safety programs at several companies in Montgomery and Auburn before retiring.
Joe’s passions focused on all things outdoors including running, mountain biking, road biking, snow skiing, and whitewater canoeing. He especially enjoyed canoeing the rivers of western North Carolina. One could find Joe working with anything mechanical, boating on Lake Martin and crafting stained glass. He had a soft spot for all animals including raising llamas for several years.
Joe was a faithful member of the Methodist Church serving in various roles. He was a dedicated leader of Troop 169 of the Boy Scouts of America for several years. Attending the Legacy Builders men’s group meetings were a highlight of Joe’s week.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Collins Harrison, his daughter, Megan Suggs, his brother, Jim Harrison, his sisters-in-law, Carol Morrison and Fran Collins, his brothers-in-law, Bob Collins and John Morrison, a niece, nephews, cousins, and many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, John Collins.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Alexander City First United Methodist Church, 3266 US Highway 280, Alexander City following a private internment service at Hillview Memorial Park. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:15 am at the church. Rev. Chip Vann and Rev. Billy Coleman will officiate.
The family offers thanksgiving for the services of Alabama Hospice Care of East Alabama. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Brianna Grant, Jawanna Gamble, Mary Ann Jones, Nataya Thomas, Joanne Thomas, and Charna Murray for their loving care.
The family requests no flowers and that memorials be made to a charity close to your heart.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joseph Michael Harrison.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?