Col. Hugh Barrett Harrison's Obituary
Col. Hugh B. Harrison, 91, US Army (Retired) died on July 22, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. Hugh was born March 15, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Hugh and Emily Harrison.
Hugh was a career Infantry officer and served with the 35th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War, the 25th Infantry Division based in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and with the South Vietnamese 40th Infantry Regiment on his 1st tour in Vietnam. During his 2nd tour, he was the Senior Advisor to a South Vietnamese Major General commanding the Airborne and Infantry Training Center in South Vietnam. Hugh attended the Infantry Officers Advanced Course at Ft. Benning, GA, the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA, and the US Army War College at Carlyle Barracks, PA. He was a graduate of Valley Stream Central HS, and received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Master’s Degree from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.
Hugh was preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie MacMillan of Overland Park, KS.
Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Edythe, his High School sweetheart and devoted wife of 69 years; daughter, Colleen Durbin; son, Brian Harrison; brother, George Harrison; sister, Lillian Whitacre (Holly). Also surviving are his grandchildren; Jason Durbin, Kelsey Harrison, Daniel MacMillan, Kristin MacMillan, and a great-grand daughter Anna Durbin.
Hugh enjoyed refinishing old furniture, gardening, traveling, had a passion for reading and studied the Harrison family genealogy.
Hugh will be greatly missed for his courage, love, and devotion to his beloved family.
Hugh will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA with full Military Honors on Friday, March 19, 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Cancer Society or Charity of your choice.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family.
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