Eric Shawn Harrison

Eric Shawn Harrison was born on June 14, 1972, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the parents of Ruby P. and Cecil J. Harrison. He was the youngest of six children from this union. He was jokingly known as “the oops baby!”

Eric received his early education in Fort Worth. As a youth, he enjoyed singing, which was a gift he inherited from his mother who sang in church. By virtue of his talent, he was inducted into the renowned Texas Boys Choir—one of the best boy choirs in the world—touring internationally, earning multi-national awards. In high school, he became known as “Soprano.” Eric graduated from O.D. Wyatt High School in Fort Worth in 1990. His family was very proud of him and his achievements.

Eric later moved to Houston, Texas, after being recruited by Coach Tommy Kaiser to attend the University of Houston. Coach believed that Eric was more than a good football player; he was best at being an all-around great person. He received a full scholarship to UH and was defensive lineman #62 for his beloved Coogs. Eric received a bachelor’s degree from the university’s College of Technology.

College was also where Eric met Celia Fenceroy. They were a constant in each other’s lives for over 20 years. The two were married on March 10, 2016, appropriately on the 50-yard line of the University of Houston football field. They were soulmates. Together they enjoyed golf, traveling, and one-on-one fun times. Eric was also a connoisseur of fine scotch, cigars, bowties, and an avid fan of the Chicago Bears.

Eric was an accomplished corporate trainer for Empereon Marketing for over three years. Prior to Empereon, he received several awards as a supervisor with Comcast, Enventure Global Technology, Cardtronics, and Bank One. Eric was also passionate about serving the community. He led Comcast Cares Day and was a dutiful blood donor to Gulf Coast Regional Center for over 20 years.

Eric was an active member of New Light Christian Center Church for several years. Later, he and Celia attended Harvest Point Fellowship Church in Pearland, Texas. Throughout his illness, Eric remained a faithful servant of God. Rather than asking, “Why me?” Eric asked, “Why not me?” and thanked God daily for allowing him and his faith to be a testimony to others. He touched many lives with his great smile, positive outlook, and gentle nature. He was always his most authentic self, and he cared about those around him.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother, Paul Harris. Leaving to cherish his memory are his wife, Celia Fenceroy Harrison; godson, Joshua A. Baxter, and Oliver Haeden Smith-Perrin; brothers: Robert Williams of Martinez, Georgia, and Darrell Williams of Channelview, Texas; sisters: Cynthia Harrison of Los Angeles, California, and Kimetha Williams of Arlington, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, teammates, and friends.

                                              “God’s finger touched him, and he slept.”

                                                            ~ Alfred Lloyd Tennyson ~