William Michael Harrison

William Michael Harrison, 61, of Redwood, VA, passed on to his eternal life with his family and friends beside him on Sunday, March 6, 2011. The day was filled with strong winds and rain; however, the clouds parted and the sun shone brightly at the time Mike ascended to heaven. Mike was born on February 22, 1950 at home in the Redwood Community of Franklin County, Virginia and lived there happily his entire life. Mike enjoyed motorcycle riding, mowing the yard, tinkering with his trucks, jamming to bluegrass music, talking to friends, and watching movies (Thunder Road was his favorite.). Mike worked as a mechanic for Bristol Manufacturing; then, he worked and retired from The Lane Company in Rocky Mount after 24 years of service. Mike is preceded in death by his parents: William Vestel and Edna Ellis Harrison; his grandparents; Charlie Frederick Ellis, Sr., Annie Davis Ellis, William Tyler Harrison and Myrtle Hodges Harrison and his nephew Brent Harrison. Surviving to cherish his memory are his two loving sisters and their spouses; Betty H. and Colin Wray of Glade Hill, VA and Phyllis H. and Buddy Dillon, of Wirtz, VA. He is also survived by several special nieces and nephews; Christie W. and David Ramadan of South Riding, VA, Kevin Wray of Rocky Mount, VA , Kellie D. and Josh Wilson of Ridgeway, VA , and Johnathan Dillon of Wirtz, VA. He is further survived by many relatives and friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Gerald Schertz, Dr. Robert Heath, Dr. Jack Bumgardner, the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Franklin Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, and Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their help and support. Funeral services will be conducted from Redwood United Methodist Church, 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2011 with the Rev. Brad Dulaney officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Mike was a proud member of Redwood United Methodist Church and lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Michael Harrison Memorial Fund C/O Redwood United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 3001 Old Franklin Turnpike, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Mikes family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, Route 220 at Wirtz Road, Rocky Mountwww.connerbowman.com 334-5151