Obituary of Ralph Hynson Harrison, Jr.

Captain Ralph H. Harrison, Jr., 90, died peacefully surrounded by his children in Charlottesville, Virginia on June 30, 2023. Captain “Dutch” Harrison was a Naval Aviator who retired after 30 years in the United States Naval Reserve (USNR).

Captain Harrison was born on February 8, 1933, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to his parents Ralph H. and Bernice P. Harrison. Raised in Great Falls, Virginia, Captain Harrison attended the University of Virginia and graduated in June 1955 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, majoring in Aeronautics. That same month, he married his high school sweetheart, Betsy, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. After graduating flight school, Captain Harrison became a top-rated flight instructor at NAS Pensacola, twice awarded as instructor of the month. He was a highly skilled pilot primarily flying the Grumman S-2 Tracker, the Navy’s first purpose-built, single airframe anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. Captain Harrison enjoyed sharing many stories from his experiences in the cockpit. While in the Reserve, Captain Harrison served as Commanding Officer of Reserve Units at NAS Keflavik (Iceland) and in the Office of Deputy Chief Naval Operations.

After leaving active duty in 1958, Captain Harrison returned with Betsy to Herndon, Betsy’s hometown, and worked in the defense industry for over 30 years representing defense contractors in their contracting efforts with the Pentagon. Herndon was home to the Harrison family for many years. In retirement, Captain Harrison and Betsy later moved to Earlysville, Virginia, where they resided since 2006.

Captain Harrison was an avid golfer until well into his 80’s. He loved the mental and tactical aspects of the game as well as fellowship with other golfers. He could be found most weekends on the links, whatever the weather may be. While in Northern Virginia he was a junior golf mentor at International Country Club. He was an active member of the National Aviation Club in Crystal City where he enjoyed swapping stories with his fellow aviators. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, spending time with family and friends, and supporting veterans and first responders.

Captain Harrison was the primary caregiver for his beloved wife Betsy during her final years. They were married for 62 years until her death in 2018.

Captain Harrison was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (Betsy), his parents, and his brothers Joseph W. Harrison and Brig. General David Gordon Harrison (VAARNG). He is survived by his children Ralph III, of Earlysville, Virginia, and Sharon (Tom), of Ninety-Six, South Carolina.

The visitation will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 11:00 AM with a brief service following at 12:00 noon at the Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170, followed by interment at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA 20170.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory may be made to the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Company (www.earlysvillefire.org), Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.com).