Edward Harrison

Edward Royal Harrison, Jr. was born on December 6, 1937 to Lillie and Edward Harrison in Detroit, Michigan. Edward came to be known as Cali and later affectionately as "Pops". He was the eldest of 6 children. He was preceded in death by: his father, Edward Harrison; his mother, Lillie Harrison; his sister, Arlene Calloway; and his brother, Reginald Harrison. Cali departed this life on February 13, 2017. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Sheila Harrison; his 5 sons-Edward III, Malik, Patrice, Ekrem and Kenyatta; his brother Robert, his sisters, Jacqueline and Nadine and his sister-in-law, Agnes. Cali also leaves 8 grandchildren, Edward IV, Damani, Kyle, Leeana, Nyah, Khloe, Kassandra and Gabriella; his daughters-in-law, Maria, Michelle and Yoshimi and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Cali grew up in Detroit and Inkster, Michigan and attended Inkster High School where he played on both the basketball and football teams. He was part of a singing group that was interviewed at Motown. He always cared about his community, and he became a community organizer to help young people. He was also a labor organizer when he worked for Ford Motor Company. Cali is a veteran who served in the Army from 1960 to 1963. He came to New York in 1969 and eventually headed Brooklyn Fight Back, an organization that sought jobs for minorities in the construction industry. He later formed his own construction company. Pops was always involved with helping people, whether it was as a young man or later after his retirement. He was a charismatic man who was generous with his advice, his time, his money and his love. Pops had an engaging sense of humor, and he loved with a passion. He was a wonderfully unique individual who was incredibly loyal, and he had amazing internal strength. Pops will be sorely missed by many.