Dennis Gerald Harrison

Dennis Gerald Harrison of Denver City was born July 20, 1930, in Aspermont, Texas, to W. C. and Cleo Harrison. He passed from this life November 17, 2023.

W.C. worked for Shell Pipeline Company, so the family moved around quite a bit calling Hamlin, Wink, McCamey, and Garden City home. W.C. was transferred to Denver City next, so in March 1940, W.C., Cleo, Dub (7th), Dennis (5th), Lois Marie(2nd), and Mary Alice (4th) rolled into DC in a 1939 black Ford. W.C. finally had enough seniority with Shell that they did not have to move anymore, so they were blessed to make Denver City home.

Dennis and his siblings grew up playing under the old flare, learning to swim at the rock crusher in the Russell Field, and eventually running and playing on the football fields, track, and volleyball courts of DCHS. Dennis graduated in 1947 and attended Howard Payne College on a track scholarship. However, after a year, Dennis went home and worked for Bum Gibbins in the oilfield. He had met his childhood sweetheart Sue Ann Wyatt who had moved to DC from Ranger in 1945. After courting her for three years, they married August 19, 1950.

In 1951, Dennis served in the US Army stationed at Fort Ord in Salinas, California, and then to Fort Benning, Georgia. After his service, he and Sue Ann moved to Bowie (1953) and Sherman (1954). In 1956 he and Sue Ann, along with his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Alice and Tommy Allison, moved back to Denver City, and he started Harrison Well Service. He had rigs in DC and Andrews; he eventually sold the Andrews yard but ran Harrison Well Service in DC for 44 years until 2000 when he retired.

Dennis was an active Denver Citian. In 1973, he was named DC Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and Ambassador of the Year in 2001; in 1979, he served on the First Yoakum County Appraisal District Board; he served on the Education Service Center Board (1981-2017). Other boards Dennis served on were DCISD School Board, Yoakum County Hospital Board, and Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District Board.

Dennis and Sue Ann were faithful members of the Church of Christ for many years and were always willing to open their home for fellowships. Dennis loved Mustang & Fillie sports and was an avid fan. He was President of the Booster Club when DC won STATE in 1960. His favorite place was their beloved “Goat Ranch”. Memories were always made and cherished.

Dennis is survived by three children: Denice and Larry Clinton of Runaway Bay, TX; Diana and Reggie Clifton of Cross Plains, TX, and Dennis Jr. of Denver City. Seven grandchildren who fondly call him “DenDen”: Ashley Stewart, Natalie Greer, Whitney Hill, Andrea Coleman, Dennis Harrison III, Devin Harrison, and Kelby Clinton. Seven great grandchildren: Audrey and Karsyn Stewart, Brody and Beckett Greer, Kamryn and Cooper Hill, Jaxson Coleman, Haisley and Kinsler Clinton. His sisters: Lois Marie Reed, Mary Alice Allison, Sharon Goodman, and sister-in-law Judy Tinley. Nine nephews and five nieces, and a host of family and friends who loved him dearly. Also, by their dedicated caregiver for eight years “Essie” Esmeralda Torres, and helpers Melissa Acosta and Veronica Conejo whose precious care was endless. His Home Hospice helpers were Mallorie Kitchens, Kellie Yarborough and Sandra Canava, who all cared for Dannis with love and compassion.

Dennis is preceded in death by his beloved wife Sue Ann; his parents WC and Cleo Harrison, a brother W.C. (Dub), and a grandson Landon Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home in Portales, NM, or the Denver City Church of Christ Mission Fund.