Eulogy for Father from Son (Traditional)

We gather here today to honor the life and legacy of John Edward Harrison, my father. On behalf of our family, I want to thank you all for being here to pay your respects and to celebrate a life well-lived.

My father was born on March 15, 1948, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the eldest son of Edward and Margaret Harrison. He grew up in a time when a man's word was his bond, when hard work was expected rather than celebrated, and when duty to family and community came before personal comfort. These were the values that shaped him, and these were the values he carried throughout his 77 years.

He served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. He rarely spoke about his service, but we knew he was proud of it. That was his way—he didn't need recognition or praise. He simply did what he believed was right.

After his service, he returned home and met my mother, Patricia, at a church social in 1971. They married in 1972, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. For 53 years, they were partners in every sense of the word. Mom, his love for you never wavered. You were his rock, his companion, his greatest blessing.

As a father, he led by example. He didn't lecture or preach. He simply showed us, day after day, what it meant to be a man of integrity. He worked for 42 years at Harrison Manufacturing, starting on the factory floor and eventually becoming plant manager. He took pride in his work, but he never let work consume him. He was home for dinner every night. He was in church every Sunday. He was present for every important moment in his children's lives.

He taught us to keep our word, to treat everyone with respect regardless of their station in life, to help our neighbors, to save more than we spent, and to always, always put family first. He wasn't a man of many words, but when he spoke, it mattered. When he made a promise, he kept it. When he said he was proud of you, you knew he meant it.

He was a devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren. With them, we saw a softer side of him—he had more patience, more playfulness, more visible affection. But the lessons remained the same: work hard, be honest, be kind, and remember where you came from.

In recent years, as his health declined, he faced his challenges with the same quiet dignity he brought to everything else. He didn't complain. He didn't ask "why me?" He simply lived each day with grace and gratitude. Even in his final week, when speaking became difficult, he made sure to tell each of us that he loved us. That was important to him—that we knew.

My father lived a good life. Not a flashy life, not a famous life, but a good life. He loved his wife. He raised his children. He served his community. He helped his neighbors. He kept his faith. He did his duty. In every way that mattered, he succeeded.

To my siblings, to Mom, to our extended family: we have lost the patriarch of our family, and the absence will be felt deeply. But we have also been given an incredible gift—the example of how to live with honor, integrity, and purpose. Let us honor his memory by living according to the values he taught us.

To everyone here: thank you for your friendship to my father and your support of our family. Your presence here means more than you know.

Dad, you were a good man. You did right by your family, your community, and your God. Your work here is complete. Rest now in the peace you've earned. We will carry on your legacy with pride. We will miss you every day.

May he rest in eternal peace.