Lloyd Preston Harrison, Sr. affectionately known as “Big Lloyd” or “Gramps” was born on December 26, 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Willie C. And Clara E. Harrison. He was the fourth born of six children: Willie Jr., Edith, Ruby, Kenneth, and Barbara.
Big Lloyd entered the United States Navy in 1943 and served his country for three years in World War II. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. He was educated in New Orleans and received two diplomas in tailoring from TriState College in 1949 and Crescent College in 1951.
Big Lloyd accepted Christ at the age of 20 at MT. Herman Baptist Church in New Orleans. He was a member of the Inspirational Chorus and was additionally well known as a vocalist throughout the City of New Orleans.
His vocal talents and charismatic persona won the heart of his long awaited love Mary June Hamilton. Lloyd and Mary were wed in New Orleans on January 26, 1950. From this union, five loving children were born: Sharon, Parlett, Linda, Lloyd Ir., and Renee. He moved his family to Los Angeles, California in 1956 where he and Mary raised their 5 children who produced 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Lloyd retired from the Los Angeles School District in the 1980’s. He also enjoyed sports (particularly Baseball: Go Giants!), carpentry and Jazz.
He and Mary enjoyed their admirable union by being avid churchgoers, traveling & being amazing grandparents, until his passing on September 25, 2001. To this day, Lloyd Sr. remains in the hearts and minds of those who respected and admired him as a loving and committed son, husband, brother, father, grand-father, great-grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, godfather, friend & neighbor. He is remembered for his dependability, wisdom, fairness, strength, humor & compassion. We all learned our “Can Do” attitude from Big Lloyd!
Author Natasha Hemmings (Granddaughter)
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Place of Birth
New Orleans, LA