THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 16, 1994 TAG: 9408160269
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Benjamin Franklin Harrison Jr., 96, of the 1600 block of Selden Ave., a retired self-employed contractor and interior decorator, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 1994, in the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Hampton.
He was born in the Blackwater section of Norfolk County to Benjamin F. Sr. and Hester Cuffee Harrison in 1898. Shortly after his birth the family moved to the Berkley section of Norfolk. He was predeceased by two brothers and four sisters. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Berkley. He was an Army veteran of World War I.
Mr. Harrison was very civic minded and volunteered much of his time to benefit others. He was a former Scoutmaster, taught swimming and was also a lifeguard. He was instrumental in forming the Campostella Civic League. Mr. Harrison believed in addressing issues and believed that registering to vote was the best way to make your feelings known. During the 1930s he encouraged many young people to register to vote. As a civic league activist he was able to get street lights and paved roads for the Campostella section.
Mr. Harrison's strong belief in God and his fondness for life is a blueprint for those who follow him. His credo was everlasting: ``What God gives you, use it but do not abuse it. If you abuse it, it will curse you. If you cherish it, it will bless you.''
He is survived by a niece, Val Jean Crudup; a daughter; and several great-nieces and nephews, among them Clarence Cuffee of Chesapeake.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in First Baptist Church Berkley by the Rev. W.D. Tyree. Burial will be in Hampton National Cemetery. The family will gather at 1302 Cass St., at 10:30 a.m. Thursday and will return to 500 Rutgers Ave., Chesapeake, after the interment. Riddick Funeral Service is handling arrangements.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB