Parks Edward Harrison, age 80, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026.
Born in Burke County on May 23, 1946, Parks was the son of the late Alfred and Era Harrison. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy Harrison; his sons, Rodney Harrison (Linda) of Statesville, NC, and Brad Harrison (Tracy) of Cross Hill, SC; and his grandchildren, Ashlee Williams (Preston), Braeden Harrison (Rebecca), and Brycen Harrison (Caylee). He was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Harper and Owen Williams, who brought him great joy.
Parks is also survived by his siblings, Margaret Duckworth, Bennett Harrison (Barbara), and Brenda Perry (Edward). He was preceded in death by his sisters, Grace Epley, Ethel Harrison, Gladys Harrison, and Mattie McKenzie.
Parks spent many years working in the furniture industry, including positions with Knob Creek, Wright Table, and Robert Bergelin Company. He took pride in his work and in the many friendships he made throughout his career.
Faith was an important part of Parks’ life. He was a lifelong member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church, where he also served faithfully as a deacon. His church family was an important part of his life, and his faith was a source of strength throughout the years.
Parks enjoyed the simple things in life and loved spending time outdoors. Over the years, he enjoyed softball, fishing, hunting, and gardening. More than anything, he cherished his family and the time spent with those he loved.
Parks will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, his hardworking nature, and the many lives he touched throughout his 80 years. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The family will receive friends from 3pm until 4pm, Monday, September 14, 2026 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church, 706 Lenoir Rd, Morganton, NC 28655. A memorial service will be held at 4pm in the sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Baptist Church Building Fund.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy, Rodney, Bradley and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing your beloved husband and dad. Your family has been a part of our lives since we landed in Chesterfield when I was in the 1st grade! Nancy, you and Parks showed us all what community means. The Merritt’s are forever grateful for the love and kindness your family has shown to us and for the fellowship we continue to enjoy. Peace be with you and may all the love you have shown others come back to comfort you and the family during this time. Much love. Michelle
Nancy and family, Jan and I were so saddened to hear of Parks passing. May God continue to give each peace in the days ahead. Look to Him for strength and support. No greater Friend or Brother could ever be had this side of Heaven, than Parks Harrison. Our Love and Prayers will continue daily for the entire family.
NANCY AND FAMILY WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PARKS HE WAS SUCH A DEAR MAN I'M SO GLAD THAT I WAS ABLE TO MEET HIM AND CONCIDER HIM OUR FRIEND HE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED WE LOVED HIM LIKE A BROTHER. DEMRY AND WANDA BURLESON WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.
Nancy, Rodney & Bradley: We want to extend our sincere condolences in the passing of Parks. The Lord blessed him with an awesome family, and it is through your lives that he leaves behind a wonderful legacy. Parks had that Blessed Assurance. We send our love and prayers.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Parks he will certainly be missed my condolences to Nancy and the family Judy Johnson
Deepest sympathy.
Nancy, Rodney & Bradley, I was devastated to here about Parks passing. He was a great man and has a great family. May God bless each of you in this time of sorrow, but rejoice, he is with Jesus. All my love, Martin
Our condolences to the Harrison family. Parks will never be far away he will live in our thoughts and prayers. Parks and Nancy did the job God wants us all to do. They raised a God fearing family and did it to the end.