May 18, 1918 - July 16, 2009

Leaburn C. "Lee" Harrison, 91, of Tangent died Thursday.

Lee was born in Carroll County, Tenn., to James A. and Lera (Turner) Harrison.

He came to Oregon in July 1940 in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was hired by National Builders Construction Company in May 1942 to build a portion of Camp Adair. Upon completion of this project, he worked for the Adair Post Exchange Service as manager of store 11.

He met his future wife, Lenora F. Cody of Tangent, in 1941. They were married Aug. 12, 1942, in Albany with The Rev. H. Albers officiating.

He entered the service (Army) on April 6, 1943, with basic training at Camp Edwards, Mass. He was promoted to staff sergeant.

Lee applied for and was admitted to the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet program. Shortly after he, along with many others, was transferred back to the ground forces, when the cadet program determined additional officers were not needed.

Lee returned to the 398th Antiaircraft Unit, landing in Normandy shortly after D-Day. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 15, 1946, at Camp Attebury, Ind. He met up with his wife at his parents' place in Humboldt, Tenn., spending a few days visiting relatives and friends before returning to Albany. He worked for M&M, later Simpson Timber Company, and part-time for Safeway.

In 1955, Lee bought a farm in Tangent, where he served several years on the School District 26 budget committee and parent teacher association. In 1959, he and his wife joined the First Baptist Church in Albany. He served six years as a board member of the Albany Private School and president of the Adult Sunday School Class and other committees of the church.

In 1961, Lee was elected business representative of Local Union No. 2942 United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. In 1971 he was promoted to the district office in Eugene, where he worked until retirement. He served on the board of directors of the EGENE District of BLM, and belonged to River Road Baptist Church.

Lee retired Sept. 30, 1983, as CEO of the council and moved to a farm they had purchased while living in Eugene and raised Angus beef cattle.

His four children made several trips visiting relatives in Tennessee, Indiana and Connecticut. After retirement, he and his wife traveled by car through most of the lower 48 states and Vancouver Island, B.C.

Lee enjoyed hunting, traveling and camping at the Forest Service campgrounds near Clear Lake with family and friends.

He helped build the original Tangent Community Church, where he attended services. He served seven years on the city of Tangent Planning Commission.

Lee is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lenora Harrison; daughter Patricia Eddleman and husband Jim; son James R.; son Ernest Mike and wife Mary, all living on the family farms in Tangent; daughter Linda of the Pleasant Hill Community; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister Madeline and husband Frank Sacco of Southington, Conn.; brother Rhubert and wife Sudie Harrison of Humboldt, Tenn.; step-sister Virginia Craig of Mishawaka, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James D. Harrison and wife Minnie of Humboldt, Tenn.; and sister Lera Dean Pandajis of Buffalo, N.Y.

Interment was at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens. At his request, no public services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans and sent in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321 (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).