Earl Harrison

Earl Harrison, better known as "Dr. Earl" to students and faculty at Hardin Simmons University, "Doc" to geologists and business acquaintances in the oil industry, and "Dockie" to his children and grandchildren, left the oilfields of Jones County to walk the fields of gold with his Heavenly Father on September 15, 2016.

Earl was born November 22, 1922, in Hollene, New Mexico, to wheat farmer and Baptist preacher Benjamin and Lena Hartley Harrison. Youngest of four boys, he graduated valedictorian of his class at age 16 and continued his education at the University of New Mexico receiving his B.S. in 1944. He joined the Navy and completed Navy Midshipman school in New York just as the war was over. Returning home, he received his Master's degree in 1949 and Ph.D. in 1973 from Texas Tech University.

Doc began his geological career working in North Dakota. He returned to the warmer climates in Midland, Texas working for Ohio Oil Co. Later a transfer to Albany to work for Stasney Drilling led him to Abilene and a career change teaching Geology at HSU that not only allowed him to spread his love of Geology, but to combine science with Biblical teachings. He became a significant influence in the lives of hundreds of young men and women. He is remembered and endeared for his love for Christ, display of human kindness, sense of fairness and magnetic personality. In 1977 he began a full time career in oil expiration which he continued until 2015.

Earl was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years Gola, Daughter Gail, Mother, Father, and three brothers.

He is survived by his wife Charlene, daughter Cindy Wier; son-in-law David Wier; grandchildren Jordan and John Wier, all of Abilene; step-daughter Rhonda Williams of Hutto; step-son Walter Farmer and wife Karen of Odessa; 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. Sister in law Lucy Harrison of Clovis, NM; and nieces and nephews.

The family has expressed that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to West Texas Hospice of the Big Country.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, September 16, 2016
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, September 17, 2016
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

Hospice of the Big Country
4601 Hartford St.
Abilene, TX  79605