of Maumelle, AR

February 11, 1941 - March 10, 2018

We lost the strong, kind heart of our family. Our beloved George Harrison has left us, after giving so much of himself. He was born in 1941 in southern Missouri, to Pauline and Allie Harrison. George had two older siblings - brother Allie and sister Jean. George's family moved around a lot, until they arrived in California. This is where George met his future wife, Carole Hoffman. They sat next to each other alphabetically in their Los Angeles high school, and a few drive-in movies later, they knew they were meant for each other. They married, and moved back south. George went on to study Political Science at Oklahoma Baptist University while Carole became a Registered Nurse. They decided to make their home close to the beautiful White River in Batesville, Arkansas, where they raised three children (Allie, Leslie, and Michael). George worked for 30 years in the Social Security Administration, turning down any offers to move because he was determined to create a stable, secure home for his wife and family.

George was a quietly funny man. His deadpan delivery was often accompanied by a swift glance to see whether or not you got the joke, his eyes twinkling. He enjoyed good-natured debating, and his love of history gave him insights into the absurdities and complexities of current events.

One of George's favorite places was his workshop. He was a skilled woodworker, and created large heirloom pieces of furniture of his own design. His children remember fondly the rainy afternoons spent playing in the attic above his workshop, cozy and safe while their father was busy working below.

Kind to animals, George was never afraid to show his affection to the four-legged members of the family. Legend tells of a fully-insulated dog house, a hand-constructed Harrison special edition.

In their later years, George and his wife were blessed with three grandchildren. George became an even bigger softie and adopted a new name, ''PeePaw.'' He loved being a grandparent to Eleanor, Erin and Anna.

George was not shy about sharing the things he loved. He loved playing Scrabble and other word games. He loved the Saint Louis Cardinals. He loved the bygone era of the Southwest captured in westerns - and boy, did he ever love ''Lonesome Dove.'' No one ever could find a pie he didn't like or a dessert he wouldn't encourage you to split with him.

We are heartbroken.

The family is having a service in Batesville on Saturday, March 17th. There is a viewing at 1, followed by a ceremony at 2, at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of George Harrison.

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