Roll Call Tribute

Ben Frank Harrison, IV 

October 2, 1971 - April 5, 2024 

Ben Frank Harrison, IV, a man of profound love and thoughtful intelligence, passed away on April 5, 2024, at the age of 52, due to brain cancer. Born on October 2, 1971, in Nacogdoches, Texas, Ben's journey through life was marked by his dedication to family, his passion for his work, and his unwavering commitment to serving others.

Ben's life was a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. His academic pursuits led him to Texas A&M University, where he studied construction science and civil engineering. His passion for his field was evident in his career as an engineer specializing in blast resistant design, terrorist threat assessment, and incident investigation. Some of his notable contributions included investigating the West Texas Fertilizer and Didion Milling explosions. His work not only demonstrated his exceptional skill set but also his desire to protect and serve others through his professional endeavors.

A loving husband to Julie ‘95 and a hero to his sons, Preston and Jacob ‘25, Ben was the family’s cornerstone, constructing a life filled with love and laughter. Julie was his partner in every sense, sharing in his dreams and supporting him through every challenge. Ben's sister, Genie Harrison, her husband James Lizardi, and his aunts, Susan and Ellen Harrison, were integral parts of his support network, providing strength and comfort throughout his life's journey.

Ben's commitment to service was evident in his active involvement in the Emmaus community and men's ministry. His faith was a guiding light, leading him to serve others with humility and grace. As an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 90, Ben shaped the lives of young men, teaching them the values of leadership, integrity, and respect. His role as a mentor extended beyond the troop, impacting the lives of those who sought his counsel and friendship. He approached every situation with a heart full of compassion and a mind eager to solve problems. His ability to truly listen made him a confidant and friend to many.
We celebrate Ben, not just for the life he lived but for the countless lives he touched. His story is one of courage, of unwavering faith, of a life well-lived, and of a man who, even in the face of adversity, remained a beacon of hope and inspiration. Let us honor his memory by living with the same love, intelligence, and thoughtfulness that he embodied every day.

The family would like to thank Anne Shanks for her unwavering support of Ben and Julie especially during his time in hospice. We would also like to thank Hope Hospice for the care, comfort, and support they provided in the last months of Ben’s life. In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorial donations to Hope Hospice https://www.hopehospice.net/donate,  ThriveWell Cancer Foundation https://thrivewell.org/donate-today/, or Northern Hills United Methodist Church https://www.nhumc.org/giving/. 

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in the Worship Center at Northern Hills United Methodist Church, 3703 N Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78247. Refreshments will be served at the church immediately following the service.