August 15, 2008
One day, in the seventh grade on the tennis courts behind the elementary school, I hit the ball hard enough to bounce off the back fence and back onto the court. Coach Harrison yelled, "HOME RUN!" in that booming voice of his and I was so happy that I could have run all the way home to tell my parents about the homer. And I did, and don't you know they all had a great big laugh when he came by later to hear how I thought there was really such a thing as a home run in tennis. He did that thing where he laughed his huge, huge, laugh and at the same time sort of winked like we had a secret joke. That's how he was--he didn't need to hit you over the head and tell you that you were being stupid, he kind of let you figure it out on your own, and in a way that made you laugh at yourself. I just loved him. Loved his spirit and his warm hearted soul. No one had a greater capacity to see the goodness in people than Nelson Harrison. He was one of the most instinctively caring people I've ever known, and that came through in everything he did. I wish I had gotten to tell him one more time how special he was to me. He was true blue, and I will miss him.
August 14, 2008
Mr. Harrison was one of the few reason's I even halfway enjoyed school. No matter what that man had a way of making you smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Harrison family.
As a young PE teacher I came to know Nellie as I taught with him in the late 80's. His smile is unforgetable. His teaching style was quite different then the average teacher. He was able to get the most out of his students because they knew he genuinly cared about them. They also knew how to respect him. All he had to do was "give a student the look" and they knew where they stood. Messing around was out of the question.
I learned so much working with Nellie, not only as a mentor, but on the personal level. Jackie was the love of his life, and as he would talk about his children, his eyes would light up. It was so evident to anyone that knew him, that his family was his pride and joy.
I believe I am a better person knowing Nellie. I know I am the successful teacher today, because of Nellie. It has been a privledge to know him and I will miss him.
Pam Kirk
Dear, sweet, Mr. Harrison! You will be so missed! You poured so much of yourself into your students, family, and friends, and we have all been blessed by your loving spirit and wonderful smile. I always have cherished memories of driver's ed, in particular--stopping at Willow Springs or Dutch Oven to get your coffee and then warning us not to make you spill it or we would fail the class. LOL We knew you weren't serious, but we still didn't want you to end up with scalding hot coffee on your legs. I think of you often when I'm out driving...remembering the warnings and the advice...I still drive with the my lights on in the daylight because you taught us we were more visible that way--and this was before newer cars that had automatic dayrunning lights. You also advised my parents to make me wait until summer before taking my driver's test. I look back now and realize that was probably a pretty good idea. Thank you for always having your students' best interest at heart. Thank you for your wonderful smile and laughter. Thank you for all the years you've given to the children and youth of Wayne county and Hagerstown High School. You are loved.
Your family is such an awesome testament to your love and faith. God speed, Mr. Harrison. And, God bless your family and friends as they remember you.
Tonia Severance
I was so sorry to hear the news of Mr. Harrison. I am glad that I got to see and talk to him at the ball park this summer. He was a wonderful man. I had the priviledge of having him teach me to drive, he was always telling me to turn down one way streets, that were the wrong way, and of course I would start to do it, he was my teacher, what a sense of humor he had. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this very sad time. Be strong and be together.
Kathy Williams (Bennett) class of '86
To the Harrison family:
Thank you for sharing Nellie with all of us. I knew Nellie when I was an athlete at Centerville and a coach at Northeastern. He was a kind and gentle man. Nellie would always greet me with a "huge BEAR" hug. He would immediately ask how I was and my family. He really wanted to know. Nellie was genuine. His face would light up when he mentioned his family--their newest accomplishment or addition. He truly loved life. EVERY TIME I saw Nellie he was upbeat and positive. I can picture in my mind his beautiful smile. Just think how lucky heaven is now to have Nellie as it's newest occupant.
Blessed to have know him,
Janel Wetzel
Mr. Harrison was many things to me. A coach, a teacher, a friend, a role model, and he was pretty much family too. What an incredible man! He's made such an impact on many lives. May he rest in peace. He is probably the only man crazy enough to try and teach me and all of my friends how to drive in the same year...even though some of us maintained our speed through the rest areas. I'll miss you Nellie!! Love,Shaye
"Nellie" both Kyle & myself had him as a teacher at some point in our life. Mine was as a drivers ed instructor. I'll never forget having finished drivers ed than working at Welliver's a few years later, a couple I had picked up at the airport had there wing damaged from a person mowing the lawn, the driver of the mower... Mr. Harrison himself. I never let that one get by him. What a great person though. Both of my kids had him also either as a teacher or as a "Coach". He will be greatly missed in the public eye & now at Dales Pizza where the whole family is regulars. Our thoughts are with you.
He will be greatly missed as a friend and fishing partner.
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Harrison. He was a great teacher and I loved having him for one. He will be missed alot. With love for the whole family.
Tammy Beal Hogan Class of 1982
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