Ralph W. Harrison
Ralph W. Harrison
Ralph W. Harrison of Marianna, Florida passed from this world to the glory of heaven on Saturday, October 11, 2025. He was born on January 25, 1934, in rural Walton County, Florida in a log cabin, built by his grandfather in 1898.
He was an educator from the beginning of his career, where he was a teacher, principal, and administrator until his retirement in 1999. Ralph received his bachelor’s degree in business and his master’s in education and administration from Florida State University. He served as principal of Sneads High School until 1976 when he became Director of Food Services for Jackson County Schools. Ralph loved working in his yard. He loved his fruit trees and grape vines and was always willing to share all the produce they provided. He was a member and Deacon of First Baptist Church in Marianna for over 50 years. He had the gift of communication as he never met a stranger and was always willing to talk to anyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Ethel Harrison; his daughter, Jana Harrison Collins; and his brothers, Samuel R. “Roddy” Harrison and Kenneth W. Harrison.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ruby Lee Lewis Harrison; his sons, Dan Harrison and wife, Leisa of Montgomery, AL, and Chuck Harrison and wife, Toni of Jacksonville, FL; son-in-law, Rob Collins of Marianna, FL; grandchildren, Amanda Mehringer and husband, Jeremy, Andrew Harrison and wife, Sarah, Dr. Joseph Harrison and wife, Lexus, Abby Harrison, Sam Harrison and wife, Lindsay, Hanah Collins and Landon Collins; great-grandchildren, Madden Harrison, Jordan Mehringer, Wyatt Harrison, Macie Harrison, Ruby Kate Mehringer, Raelynn Harrison, Harrison “Bo” Mehringer, Merritt Harrison, and Hudson Harrison; his brother, Eddie Harrison and wife, Pam of Pleasant Grove Community; and sister-in-law, Ann Harrison of Ponce de Leon, Florida.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Marianna, FL with Reverends Dan Harrison and Vince Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in DeFuniak, FL with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.
Flowers are being accepted or donations may be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home. https://www.fbchomes.org
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Mehringer, Andrew Harrison, Dr. Joseph Harrison, Sam Harrison, Rob Collins, and RD Sellman.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.jamesandsikes.com.