Bennie Lamont Harrison

On April 12th, 1956 a father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend….Our hero was born. Bennie Lamont Harrison was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to Venus Wimbis. Bennie took pride in many things that he set out to accomplish but nothing describes the pride and gratitude he felt and received for serving his country. In June of 1974 at the age of 18 Bennie joined the United States Army. During his term in the service Bennie received many medals and awards while climbing and achieving different ranks. The rewards and medals he earned were honorary awards commending and labeling him as, “honest and faithful”, “distinguished”, “dedicated”, “exceptionally resourceful”, ”devoted to duty”, “professional”, “outstanding performer”, and stating that he “set a fine example to all other soldiers in his unit”. One meritorious medal was presented to Bennie on May 25th, 1996 during “Operation Roving Sands” in Roswell, New Mexico. During this mission he assisted an injured civilian until further medical assistance arrived. After dedicating many years of his life to serving our country, in January of 2002 Bennie retired from the United States Army as a reservist. Bennie was always being commended or having a joke thrown at him about how hard he worked and how employees could just sit back and relax because he would do his job and everybody else's. He was a hard worker and with that, whatever he wanted, he would go out and get. They say the world is full of competition but not too many could keep up with Bennie, in the work world or even physically. You had to tell him to slow down and he would always say “I don’t mess around” Bennie loved his family, those near and far. He spoke of them often as well as sharing memories of his loved ones that he could no longer physically see; his mother, father, and son Steven who are all deceased but forever in our memories because he shared them with us. Some would say Bennie had a hard time expressing himself but somehow you always felt the unconditional love. After Bennie was called home the family went through his belongings including the top notch brief cases he kept that required a code to be entered (but all the while they were nothing a swift kick wouldn’t open right up but let him think he was secret service). Amongst those belongings he had photos of his children, wife, extended family photos, our school progress reports, after school detention and your child skipped school today notices-Tiffany and tons of other little things. In seeing those things, it wasn’t what he had, it was the way he had preserved them and the fact that he held onto those things really touched our hearts. Bennie had high expectations of everyone he loved and all those who surrounded him, and we will continue to honor him and make him proud. Those who knew Bennie knew he was only a phone call away and if you ever needed him he would come running. No matter the need or situation Bennie had your back. He didn't need a who, a what, or why, just a where and when and he would show up baring in arms whatever it was that was requested of him. To his wife Lenay, Bennie loved you very much. When he said you got on his nerves he didn’t really mean it. What he meant was “I love you but do it yourself woman.” Anyone who knew you two knew that without a doubt they could always come to your house for a good laugh. He may no longer be with you or us in the physical, but two hearts bonded can never be separated. Bennie is survived by his wife-Lenay, son-Steven (May you rest in peace), daughter- Jackie, daughter-Charquenta, daughter-Tiffany, daughter-Jenee, son-Jermaine, son-Jaleel, son-Jazzy, sister-Sylvia, sister-Joanne, brother-Reginald, brother-Glen (Walter), thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. Bennie was always so full of life, and had a smile that could outdo a thousand stars, one that everyone adored. He was loved by so many and will be truly missed. In this time of grief we can all take comfort in knowing that Bennie would not see any of us down and out. We are gaining peace and comfort knowing that you are being offered so much more now than this world could ever offer. We will keep our heads held high and memories of you new. We will miss you running in the room or outside to sit in the car because more than two people came over to visit at a time.. Until we Reunite again, we love you, “Bennie Hen”, “Check Book”, “Big Dog”, "Big Money", “Streeeetch”…but most importantly our father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather & friend….Our hero. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bennie Lamont Harrison, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Bennie Lamont Harrison

April 12, 1956 - June 18, 2015