MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Gadd, McElwain

House Concurrent Resolution 106

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. GRANVILLE HARRISON, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING. 

WHEREAS, Mr. Granville Harrison, affectionately known as "Junior," departed this life on February 12, 1998, causing great loss not only to his friends and family but to the many Benton County residents who came to know his name through his work in journalism; and

WHEREAS, born on October 19, 1925, in Ashland, Mississippi, Mr. Harrison joined the Navy at the young age of seventeen, serving over three years during World War II on board a ship in 1942; and

WHEREAS, following the war, Mr. Harrison was discharged and returned home to Benton County in hopes of working with his father at the newspaper, The Southern Advocate; and

WHEREAS, in 1946, Mr. Harrison formed a partnership with his father, who was much more conservative and wanted to repair old equipment; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harrison used his own money and purchased newer equipment to improve the time involved in printing the paper as well as the quality of the printing; and

WHEREAS, located in an old frame building on the third lot of Church Street on Main, The Southern Advocate was in desperate need of repairs, forcing Mr. Harrison to purchase a new 24 by 100 foot building on the south side of the square from Mr. Marvin Crawford; and

WHEREAS, because Mr. Crawford financed the building for $31.60 per month for twenty years, Mr. Harrison was also able to purchase more equipment including a flatbed press and an offset machine; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harrison served his community in other capacities such as the former mayor of the City of Ashland and a member of Ashland Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, after 50 faithful years of service, Mr. Harrison sold the newspaper in December 1996, hoping that the new owners would continue telling the stories of Benton County; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harrison is survived by his wife, Anne Breedlove Harrison, their son, James Michael, his wife, Diane, and three grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding man as Mr. Granville Harrison, who generously contributed his exceptional wisdom, talent and abilities to improving the quality of journalism in Benton County:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend the life and accomplishments of Mr. Granville Harrison whose long and distinguished career epitomizes a life rich in achievement and service to his fellowman.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we express and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the devoted wife and family of Mr. Granville Harrison, for their loss.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Granville Harrison, and the Capitol Press Corps.