We come together to honor the life and legacy of Booker T. Harrison — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, veteran, mentor, and servant leader whose presence left an unforgettable mark on everyone blessed enough to know him.
Booker T. Harrison was born on April 19, 1961, in Macon, Mississippi, at Noxubee General Hospital, to Susie Ander Toliver Harrison and Robert Will Harrison. He was the second of two children born to this union. At a young age, Booker moved with his mother and brother to Los Angeles, California, where he began his education in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Later, in 1970, the family relocated to San Diego, California, after his mother married Joseph Paul Blanton affectionally known as “Pops”, a United States Navy Sailor, who had a daughter Vanessa and together they blended their families with love and unity, creating a strong foundation that would greatly influence Booker’s life.
Booker continued his education in the San Diego Unified School District, graduating from Bell Junior High School and later James Madison High School in 1979. He excelled in athletics, participating in football, track, and wrestling, and he also displayed remarkable talent in carpentry and craftsmanship.
Most importantly, it was during his high school years that Booker met Linda Thompson, the woman who would become the love of his life. They discovered not only a deep connection, but also that they shared the very same birthday — April 19th — a detail they both cherished throughout the years.
Booker’s life was deeply shaped by the guidance and example of his beloved mother affectionally known as “Madea” and Pops. From Madea, he learned to trust in the Lord and stand strong through life’s challenges.
At the age of 17, while still in high school, Booker answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. Over the course of nearly 16 years of military service, Booker served honorably both in the United States and overseas, including assignments in Korea and Germany. He quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated soldier and natural leader, entrusted with overseeing and maintaining multi-million-dollar equipment at a young age.
During his military career, Booker earned numerous honors and commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Air Assault Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. Booker took tremendous pride in serving his country, and his commitment to excellence was evident in every role he held.
Beyond his accomplishments, Booker was first and foremost a family man. He dearly loved his children — Tyesha, Darnell, and TJ — and worked tirelessly to provide for them. During seasons when he was a single father, Booker leaned on the love and support of his family and community, always grateful for the village that stood beside him. His devotion to his children never wavered.
After retiring from the Army in 1994, Booker began a successful second career with JR Hobbs Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Over nearly 24 years, he mastered his craft and rose to the position of Quality Control and Safety Manager. Booker also worked at Air One Systems, LLC in Auburn, Georgia for nearly two years as a Regional Field Supervisor for North and South Carolina. Booker was respected for his leadership, professionalism, and ability to solve difficult challenges.
In 2013, after more than 30 years apart, Booker reconnected with Linda, the love of his life. What began as a heartfelt conversation on Christmas Day blossomed into a renewed love story that stood the test of time. After four years of long-distance commitment and devotion, Booker and Linda were married on April 22, 2017, in San Diego, California. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in love, friendship, faith, and family.
Eventually, Booker returned home to San Diego, California to help care for his parents and to be closer to family. He later worked at Sycuan Casino Resort as the HVAC Plant Operator, becoming the first person to hold that title. Booker retired in October 2023, and retirement allowed him more time to enjoy the things he loved most.
On May 6, 2026, God called Booker home to eternal rest. Though his passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of those who loved him, we find comfort in the memories he leaves behind and the example he set for all of us. Booker was a man of strength, kindness, humility, and integrity. He possessed an infectious smile and a loving spirit that made everyone feel welcomed and valued.
Booker was preceded in death by his parents, Susie Ander Toliver Harrison and Robert Will Harrison, and his brother, Robert Harrison. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his devoted wife, Linda J. Harrison; his loving children, Tyesha L. Harrison (Robert Young) of Hemet, California, Darnell L. Harrison of Tucson, Arizona, and Booker T. James Harrison III of Lawrenceville, Georgia; his father, Joseph Paul Blanton (“Pops”); his brothers, Joshua Melvin Blanton of San Diego, California, and Gregory Woodberry (Chandra) of Dallas, Texas; his sisters, Vanessa Barbarin of Spring Valley, California, Charlotta Woodberry Burney (Larry) of Cedar Hill, Texas, Rhonda Woodberry and Tanesha Woodberry of Dallas, Texas; his cherished grandchildren, Memori Harrison of Tucson, Arizona, Jayla Young and Melissa Young of San Diego, California; his uncle, Reginald Blanton of Griffin, Georgia; his aunts, Regina Rhodes of Griffin, Georgia, and Frieda Maze of San Diego, California; his brothers-in-law, Dr. Leonard James Thompson III (Michelle) of San Diego, California, and Rodney E. Campbell of San Diego, California; his nieces, Janvier Barbarin of San Diego, California, Ambrosia Ard of Cedar Hill, Texas, and Kierra L. Thompson of San Diego, California; his great-niece, Amari Michelle of San Diego, California; and a host of loving relatives, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
