Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, no other help I know; If Thou withdraws Thyself from me, Ah! whither shall I go?

Robert Lee Harrison was born in Prince George County, Virginia on January 6, 1941 to Pleasant and Bessie Harrison. He was the youngest son and baby of nine children. At age 19, Robert left Virginia and moved to New York City, where he met his loving wife, Elvera Holloway. On August 3, 1963, Robert and Elvera married, and began to expand their family. Joining Lionel and Steven, they birthed Sharrone, Yvette, and Leila.

Robert was a hard worker and dedicated family man. He supported his family through years of service as a route salesman for Silver Cup, Pechter's Field Bakery, and Fink Bakery. While at Pechter's Field, Robert and his best friends formed a social club, the Arcadians. They were the only African-American salesmen with the company who forged a friendship that would last their lifetime. In 1973, Robert purchased a home for his family in the Bronx to raise his children in a safe and nurturing environment. In 1986, Robert joined Mt. Herman Baptist Church in the Bronx on the day his wife was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. At Mt. Hermon, he was a member of the male chorus and Usher Board, and was ordained to the office of Deacon on June 30, 1991.  In addition to serving in the ministry, Robert was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the ELKS of the world.

After 37 years of service as a salesman, Robert retired. In 2010, Robert and Elvera moved to Toms River, NJ. Always very active in his community, Robert joined Second Baptist Church and served as Second Treasurer with the Holiday City South Bingo Committee. He enjoyed retirement; through dating is loving wife of 52 years and cooking for his ever-expanding family.

On August 20, 2015, Robert Lee Harrison was called to rest in the arms of the Lord. He now joins his six siblings and one son, Steven. His loving memory will linger in the hearts of his beloved wife, Elvera; sisters, Frances Dillard, Bernice Burrow, her husband Robert, and Louise Burrow; son, Lionel Harrison (Motrecia); three daughters, Sharrone, Yvette Christian, her husband Bo, and Leila Ocean; his dearest mother-in-law, Frances Halloway; sister-in-law, Deloris Bedford; fourteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends far too numerous to mention but were remembered in his heart.