Bennett Harrison

Horace Bennett Harrison, 84, passed away on July 22, 2026. He was born on December 15, 1941, in Waco, Texas, just a week after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Bennett was the son of Bonnie Kate Bennett Harrison and Horace Greeley Harrison. He very proudly grew up in McGregor, Texas, where he graduated from McGregor High School in 1960. Bennett then attended the University of Texas in Austin, graduating in 1965 with a degree in history.

After obtaining his teaching certificate, Bennett taught public school in Somerset, Texas, while also earning a master’s degree at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Bennett then moved with his new family to Gladewater, Texas, where he lived for well over 50 years.

Bennett served in the U.S. Army Reserve during the Vietnam War. He dedicated his working life to education, teaching history and computer science at Sabine High School and Kilgore College. In all he did, Bennett carried himself with steady faith, a thoughtful spirit, and a keen intelligence—qualities that were evident both in his service and in the care he brought to his students and community.

In 1963, Bennett married Patricia Spencer of Houston, Texas. Together they welcomed one child, Ross Bennett Harrison. Bennett found lasting enjoyment in quiet, meaningful pursuits: reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with his sister, Helen, and her family. He also loved watching the Longhorns play football.

Bennett was a longtime member of the First Methodist Church in Gladewater, where he participated in activities such as its monthly food drive. During his teaching days at Sabine High School, Bennett led the toy drive for children with special needs. He was a longtime attendee of the annual Shakespeare Festival at Kilgore College. Bennett especially enjoyed decorating his yard for Halloween. He loved checking out books at the local library. Bennett loved listening to Elvis records.

Bennett was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen Harrison Jones and her husband, Joe J. Jones; and Bob Norris, his sister Kay’s husband. He is survived by his son, Ross Bennett Harrison; his sister, Kay Norris; and his niece, Kay Ann Jones McKinney, along with her children and grandchildren.

Visitation was held at Cole Funeral Home in McGregor, Texas, on July 29, 2026. The funeral service was held at the Cole Funeral Home Chapel on July 30, 2026. Interment followed at Crawford Cemetery, Crawford, Texas, on July 30, 2026.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Hospice of East Texas for their loving care and support.

Memorial contributions in Bennett’s memory may be made to the McGinley Memorial Public Library, located at 317 S. Main St., McGregor, TX 76657.