BUFFALO SOLDIER, HERITAGE PRESERVATIONIST, FORMER MUNICIPAL JUDGE EDDIE HARRISON DIES
A Buffalo Soldier, former City of Brenham Municipal Court Judge, and preserver of history and heritage has died.
Eddie Harrison passed away this (Friday) morning from complications with pneumonia.
Harrison retired at the rank of colonel after 34 years in the U.S. Army, and served 16 years as a municipal court judge in Brenham.
Harrison played a crucial role in the rehabilitation and historical designation of the Camptown Cemetery near Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church. The burial site began as a slave cemetery, but later received Civil War veterans and Buffalo Soldiers. He also conducted educational programs on Buffalo Soldiers at numerous public venues around the Brazos Valley.
Harrison served as a county extension agent, state farm specialist, and USDA livestock specialist. He was a member of the Brenham Activist Association, and served as board chairman of the Washington County Community Development Credit Union. He also served as a board member of the Texas Center for African American Living History, and was a member of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston. In addition, he was an active member of Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the organization’s board of deacons, board of trustees, and the book committee.
Harrison received numerous civic awards for public service, including the Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s “Man of the Year” award.
Dr. John Harris, pastor at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church, provided a statement on Harrison's passing:
Today, it is with saddened hearts that the Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church Family acknowledges the death of a beloved brother in Christ, Deacon Eddie Earl Harrison. He will be missed for his godly leadership in our congregation and in this community as a whole. His memory will live on in the lives he touched, the wisdom he shared, and the positive changes he created everywhere he served. This husband, father, colonel, agriculture expert, judge, community activist, encyclopedic mind, and most of all friend, will have a place in our hearts forever.
Reverend Randy Wells said Harrison had a “heart of service” and was a “pioneer,” adding he was responsible for many young people advancing their lives. He said this is “a great loss for our community and our country.”
Funeral arrangements are pending with Lewis Funeral Home in Brenham.
Paula and I returned to Brenham 4+ years ago and one of my greatest delights was was to renew a relationship with with Margaret and Eddie Harrison. We enjoyed dozens of dinners together at a local restaurant, and I appreciated being part of of the TX 10 Historical Explorers and coming to realize the contributions to the Washington County community of African Americans over the last 165 plus years! Thank you Eddie! Rest In Peace, Rev Dr Kenneth Moerbe ?
I did not know Jude Harris, but after reading about him, I sure wish I had. I’ve lived in Brenham only 2 years, and was not aware of Judge Harris and his contributions to this area. I pray his family will be comforted by the Lord and the memory of this great man.
Our condolences to the Harrison Family. God is close to the brokenhearted. May you find comfort, strength, and peace by cherishing the special family memories that have been created. From Eva & Bryant Richards, Greenville, Tx.
Mr. Eddie Harrison was a dear friend, mentor and encourager to me. He is the one responsible for me sharing the Underground Railroad Quilt Display/Presentation with Washington On The Brazos and many other locations across the country. The knowledge that Mr. Harrison had in that head of his was so awesome! He will be dearly missed! Mrs. Mae, you and your family have my condolences along with my fellow quilter sister, Ms. Johnson.
He is sorely missed.