Otis Astor Harrison, Jr.

Otis Astor Harrison, Jr., was born on October 5, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York.  He was the second child of the late Myrtle Waters Harrison and Otis Harrison.  Otis attended Public School 70, Halsey Junior High School 85 and Boys High School before entering the United States Air Force in 1952.

While serving in Korea he earned the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Good Service Medal.  After serving active duty in Korea, he entered Virginia Union University.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and Mathematics and was inducted into “Who’s Who” In College and Universities in 1961.

He married Anita Dexter Harrison in June 1961 and Jennifer Denise, their only child, was born in March 1976.

Otis joined the New York City Police department following his father’s footsteps and was soon promoted to the crime laboratory as a forensic chemist because of his background in science.

Otis loved sports!!  He was a seasonal fisherman, fairly good at tennis and an avid bowler.  He was introduced to skiing in 1963 and soon was a certified instructor.  During a trip to Italy in 1978 he was applauded as “the man who skied with one leg” because of his excellent form.  He was an officiant in the annual Glenn D. Loucks Memorial Track and Field Games and was honored for twenty-five years of volunteer service.  There was not a baseball, football game or tennis match televised that he did not enjoy.

Otis was promoted to the rank of detective and continued his work as a chemist until his retirement in 1985.  His relocation to Sun City in South Carolina provided the perfect climate for him to enjoy golf.

His sister Janice A. Harrison-Brinson preceded him in death by six days, on February 10, 2024 and they are now reunited.

Otis is survived by his daughter Jennifer, grandson Ja Quan, brother Bruce, many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Mr. Harrison has been cremated under the direction of Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, SC.