Russell Alan Harrison

Russell Alan Harrison, of Florence, South Carolina, passed after a short illness on January 10, 2026. Born in Sissonville, WV, in 1938, Alan grew up in WV, graduating from Stonewall Jackson High School. Alan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for two years in Camp Lejeune and Panama.

After working for over 10 years at Union Carbide Institute, WV, Alan studied education and history at Morris Harvey College and earned his MA in Education from the College of Graduate Studies. This began his 37-year career as a passionate, ethical, and disciplined public-school teacher, coach, and administrator in WV and SC. Alan’s most rewarding position was with Florence School District One as principal of West Florence High School. He served 13 years walking miles each day throughout the halls, engaging with students by name, and attending countless athletic events.

Alan was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, tending to his koi pond, and teaching others to respect the beauty of the earth. Upon his retirement, Alan earned his Master Gardener certification through Clemson Extension.

He was married to his beloved wife Elizabeth (Beth) Wilson Harrison, for 39 years. Together, they enjoyed traveling to the hills of NC and Scotland. Alan found much delight in their canine companions, of which there were always 2 or 3.

Alan is survived by and is deeply loved by Beth, his brother Ernie, his son Rusty (Jennifer), daughter Sandy (Robert

Williams) granddaughters Ashton Harrison and Miranda Morris (David), and great-granddaughters Everleigh and Cambrie Bartley. Alan was adored by his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Byron Alton Harrison and Esther DeWees Harrison, brother Byron Nelson Harrison and Dora Alice Clarke (Sam) and sister-in-law Rebecca Tinch Harrison.

A visitation will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home

The funeral service will be on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home Chapel with the burial to follow at Florence National Cemetery with funeral honors.

Please sign the guestbook for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com