James Layton (Billy) Harrison passed away on Thursday, February 8th at North MS Medical Center. He was born on March 20th,1937, in Pontotoc. He was the first-born son of Guy and Dovie Suggs Harrison. He graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1954. After serving a tour of duty in the military where he helped train the cadets at West Point and served in Paris, France during the Cuban crisis, he returned home and married the love of his life, LaJuana Barnette Harrison. They were married for 61 years. He was a fun-loving person and never met a stranger. He loved a good clean joke and hanging out with his domino buddies. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He touched many people with his generosity, by helping others and leading by example. He was a farmer and cattleman having been named Outstanding Soybean Farmer of the Year. He was a Board Member of Farm Bureau Insurance for many years, member of the Cattleman’s Association and retired Member of Oak Hill Water Association. He was a faithful member of Harmony Baptist Church for over 50 years where he served as treasurer and deacon. He is survived by his wife, one son, Jason, and wife, Melissa, and daughter, Jayme (Brad), 5 grandchildren, Kellen Harrison, Erin Belle Harrison and Kaitlyn Caples Sappington, Stuart and Cole Caples, and 6 great grands. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Guy (Sue) and Jimmy Dale (Barbara) Harrison and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Clayton (Cotton) Harrison, and 2 sisters, Melba Gale Dowdy and infant, Evelyn Harrison.
Visitation will be Saturday evening, February 10th from 6pm to 8pm and Sunday, February 11th, from 1pm until 2pm with services at 2:00 p.m. at Harmony Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church until service time. Bro Jerry Caples, Bro. Mike Reeves and Bro Jim Carr will officiate. Burial will be in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery, Pontotoc, MS. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Jason Harrison, Scottie Harrison, Stuart Caples, Cole Caples, Kellen Harrison and Kyle Sappington.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the Ecru Domino Crew and the Harmony Baptist Men’s Sunday School Class.
