Howard Robert Harrion Jr.

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Howard Robert Harrion Jr., who slipped away quietly in his sleep after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on May 6, 2026. Born on January 3, 1960, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Howard's life was a testament to love, laughter, and unwavering generosity. The son of Howard Robert Harrion Sr. and Cassie Leonard Harrion, Howard was a devoted family man, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was predeceased by his father, Howard Robert Harrion Sr., his brother, Charles Leonard, and sister, Alice Harrion Roles. He is survived by his cherished wife of 39 years, Dorothy, whom he married on March 14, 1987, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, raising their children, Damien (Lakayshia) Hooker, Nicholas Harrion, Lakeshia (Demetrius) Maston, and Quentin (Mable) Harrion. Howard’s legacy lives on through his 17 grandchildren, who were the light of his life. His loving mother, Cassie B. Massey, sister, Ann (Larry) Cousan, brother, Jeff (Anita) Harrion, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends will continue to cherish his memory. Howard was a proud alumnus of Jefferson Davis Community College, where he honed his skills in construction trade school. His career as a GSAILA 1303 Local Union Hall Longshoreman spanned over two decades from 1977 to 2000, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues and friends alike. An avid fisherman, Howard found peace sitting by the lake, casting his line and sharing tales of the one that got away. His love for the earth was evident in the bountiful vegetables he grew and generously shared with his neighbors. Howard had a green thumb not only for his garden but also for his cherished indoor plants. His joy was infectious, especially when he gathered friends and family for a barbecue, or when he watched his favorite game shows, "The Price is Right" and "Let's Make a Deal." Howard had a gift for making people laugh until tears ran down their cheeks, and his kindness knew no bounds. He fed the neighborhood with his delicious grilled and fried creations and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and every baby that crossed his path. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held on May 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the M. J. Edwards Funeral Home Stage Road Chapel, located at 4445 Stage Road, Memphis, TN 38128. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available at www.dignitymemorial.com. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital, particularly the teams on 5 South and 5 East, for their exceptional care. Special thanks are also given to the Perea Team for their unwavering support and care of Mrs. Dorothy Harrion during these challenging times. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Howard’s memory by sharing a meal with someone you love, telling a joke, or simply spending a day fishing—just as he would have loved. Howard Robert Harrion Jr. will be remembered as a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and laughed heartily. His spirit will continue to guide us and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts.