Melvin Eugene Harrison, age 84, died on November 25,2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born on August 8,1940 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas to the late George and Mamie (Purdue) Harrison. Melvin was usually known as 'Eugene' growing up with family. As a running back the coach and the team called him 'Eugent'! Later most everyone who knew him, called him 'Gene', but 'Poppy' was the most endearing name he loved to hear from his grandchildren and great grandchildren! Melvin was number eight in a household of twelve siblings. As a boy, He loved travelling through town and the countryside riding his bicycle. He spent summers, and winters swimming the West Fork of the White River Near Greenland. Melvin was a gifted athlete from a young age. He boxed several seasons in Fayetteville's Golden Gloves boxing club in the Mid 1950's. Melvin was avid in school athletics, and intramural sports excelling in football, boxing, softball, and golf. In the Fall every year Melvin loved to take in the home games at Razorback Stadium and "Call the Hogs" with 50,000 other excited Razorback fans.

Melvin enjoyed Spending time in Arkansas' parks, rivers and hiking the Ozark trails with his family and church group. He worked 45 years in the Water Works department for the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Melvin had a reputation for getting the job done right at any time or in any weather condition. In his professional career Melvin made many lasting friendships and helped grow the city of Fayetteville we see today. Yet, even as he aged, he never missed a moment to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their games and awards ceremonies.

His unwavering faith in God was a cornerstone of his life. The Gospel of Jesus was Melvin's message to everyone for every circumstance. In his household Melvin was known as a man of prayer, who spent time alone in prayer and studying through the bible. Melvin reflected his love for God and his love for people serving a lifetime in the First Assembly of God congregation in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He led bible study, taught many classes of young men as Sunday school teacher, also facilitating men's prayer and ministry groups. Melvin was also Known for his kind and forgiving nature and giving aid to those in need. Melvin was a true prayer warrior who loved God and his family with his life. Likely the highlight of his life for over twenty years every Memorial Day; Melvin cherished seeing his family converge from across the country and unite at The George Harrison Family Reunion. He was preceded in death by four brothers, William Harrison, Harry Harrison, Lawrence Harrison and Paul Harrison; five sisters, Frances Pence, Wanda Starnes, Evelyn Kilpatrick, Mary Holland and Verna Morgan.

Melvin is survived by wife of almost 65 years, Virginia (Gibson) Harrison of Fayetteville, Arkansas; two sons, Michael and wife Anne Harrison of Kansas City, Missouri and Gregory and wife Sherri Harrison of Goshen, Arkansas; two sisters, Peggy Hayes of Springdale, Arkansas and Mae Davis of Kansas City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Daniel Harrison, Bramel Harrison and his wife Abigayle, Samuel Harrison, Miranda Gibson and husband Joe, Chandler Harrison; six great grandchildren, David Harrison, Isabelle Harrison, Coen Harrison, Gentry Harrison, Jasper Harrison and Clive Harrison; a host of extended family.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, November 29,2024 at Highland Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas with Brother Danny Morrison officiating. Pallbearers are Bramel Harrison, Samuel Harrison, Chandler Harrison, Joe Gibson, David Harrison, and Isabelle Harrison.