John Raymond Harrison

On Friday, July 12, 2024, John R. Harrison passed away peacefully at his home in Mount Airy, Maryland, after a brief illness. He was born August 14, 1931, in Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, England. He was the son of the late Harry and Ellen Maud Grewcock Harrison, both of Leicestershire, England. He is survived by his sister, Eileen Gladys Harrison Welsh and his perfect wife of 53 years, Susan Challenger Harrison. He left behind 5 children - John and Stephanie Nelson Harrison, Rasmey and Ellen Harrison Diep, Catherine Harrison, Fredis and Eunice Harrison Pineda, and Allan and Effie Harrison Reyes - and 15 grandchildren. 

 While young, he was voted Midlands Gardener of the Year and later worked at Stratford-upon-Avon. He was chosen by Queen Elizabeth to serve as Chief Horticulturist and Rose Specialist at the British Embassy in Washington, DC and traveled on the Queen Mary to America in 1964. There, he was voted in as President of the Professional Gardening Club of America. He met his wife and all plans to return to England disappeared. So, after 6 years at the Embassy, he left to run his own business, English Lawn and Gardens, which he ran from 1968 until his retirement in 2020.

 He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was privileged to meet the LDS Prophet, David O. McKay, while still in England and later was asked by President McKay to help design and landscape the Washington, DC Temple in Kensington, Maryland. His passion was growing, and his artistic eye combined with his green thumb, created beautiful gardens throughout the area for his many customers. He passed away happily with dirt under his nails and 400 potted plants on the front porch. He was proud of his business, but his main joys were his wife and children! He will be greatly missed by both friends and family. 

 Close friends and relatives are invited to a graveside service on Monday, July 22, at 3pm, at Pine Grove Cemetery in Mount Airy, Maryland. A memorial service will be held October 12, 11am, at the LDS Chapel in Mount Airy, Maryland; and all are welcome to attend this celebration of life.