Marvin "Billy" H. Harrison

Marvin H. "Billy" Harrison, 88, of Live Oak Place, Carlsbad, NM, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Carlsbad Medical Center. There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2014, 2:00 PM, at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Gene Harbaugh officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Marvin H. "Billy" Harrison was born on May 31, 1925 in Marshall, Texas. His parents were Joyce Barber and Samuel Scott Harrison. He grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 1941. He attended NTAC (now UT Arlington) for two years and received an Associates degree in 1943. During his second year at NTAC he met a young lady named Jimmie Kilpatrick who was destined to be his future wife. He attended UT Austin for one semester and entered the Army in March, 1944. Billy was assigned to Infantry basic training in Little Rock, Arkansas. While still in basic he and Jimmie Kilpatrick were married on May 20, 1944 in the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. Following his completion of basic training in September he was assigned as a Private in Co. B, 311th Infantry, 78th Division at Camp Pickett, Virginia. He went overseas to Europe with this unit in October, 1944. He was wounded in action in Germany in December, 1944 and spent time in various hospitals ending up in England. He was released from the hospital to limited duty in February, 1945 and spent the next 15 months at various bases in England working in the supervision of German POWS. He was discharged in May, 1946 as a First Sergeant. Following his discharge, he and his wife moved to Austin, Texas. She worked while he resumed his studies toward a degree in Engineering at UT Austin. He graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in January, 1948. Billy, his wife and young son moved to Carlsbad in February, 1948 and he went to work in the Research Department of PCA as an Assistant Chemical Engineer. He spent 34 years in the potash industry prior to his retirement. He also worked at Duval and IMC during this period. Over the years he was involved with every phase of the surface production of Potash, Langbeinite and Potassium Sulphate and held several patents regarding these products. He retired from IMC in March, 1982. During his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, yard work, gardening and "Fixing things". He and his wife enjoyed their granddaughters, playing bridge and traveling. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church and a member of the local congregation since 1949. He served as elder, trustee, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school treasurer, Men's Club president and treasurer and enjoyed cooking for the congregation. He was involved with the scouting program for many years serving as Boy Scout, Cub master, Scoutmaster, Troop Committeeman and Council Member. He worked for about 10 years installing and maintaining Lifelines in conjunction with the Carlsbad Foundation and the Hospital Auxiliary. He was a longtime member of the Downtown Lions Club where he was a Lion of the Year, life member and Melvin Jones Fellow. He also worked with the Shorthorn Little League and was a charter member and the first president of the DSP Federal Union. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmie in October 2001. Surivors include three sons: Jim and wife, Teddi of Carlsbad, NM, Bill and wife, Lana of Santa Teresa, NM, John and wife, Sharon of Gilbert, AZ; five granddaughters: Michele Brenneman and husband, Jerome of Kennesaw, GA, Sunny Shields of Santa Terasa NM, Catherine Harrison of Charlotte, NC, Becky Parmeter and husband, Matt of Las Cruces, NM, Kristi Harrison of Santa Teresa, NM; four great-grandchildren: Saryn Shields, Kyra Brenneman, Mayson Parmeter and Hunter Parmeter. Memorial contributions may be made to Carlsbad Foundation, Presbyterian Youth Group, 114 South Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220 Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.