Curtis Wayne Harrison

Curtis Harrison, 83, of Port Neches, Texas, passed away at his residence on October 8, 2026. Born on March 18, 1943, in Shelby County, Texas to William Clinton and Lamerle Holt Harrison. He was a 1961 graduate of Joaquin High School where he played football, but his fondest memories were of his classmates and his membership in the Joaquin Chapter of Future Farmers of America. He would often reference the importance his Agricultural Teacher Arnold Hooper had on his life. After graduation, Curtis attended The Lincoln Electric Company in Lincoln, Ohio where he earned his certificate in Inertarc Welding. Upon returning home, Curtis moved to Jefferson County wherein he was hired by Levingston Shipbuilding in Orange as a welder helper. After he completed his apprenticeship, he entered into military service with the United States Army. During this period, he proposed to Linda McDonald by way of a ship to shore service. They would later marry in 1966 on his birthday beginning their 60-year adventure having never forgotten their anniversary. Upon his discharge from the Army, Curtis returned to work at Levingston Shipbuilding in the welding department. He was a member of the erection crew traveling to Scotland, England, and Australia. Curtis was promoted to welding supervisor and later to the Quality Assurance Department as a supervisor before he was sent to the Far East Levingston facility in Singapore as a welding supervisor. He would later become an outfitter supervisor then the program manager for the bulker program wherein the Star of Texas, the Pride of Texas and the Spirit of Texas were built. Upon Levingston closing in 1985, Curtis joined the newly established Texas Drydock Inc. wherein he remained through company changes and ended his career as the yard manager of Signal International (Orange Facility) in 2010. He loved talking about his employment adventures of building ships and drilling rigs, but most of all the friendships he built along the way.

Beyond his work, Curtis was a man of many passions, including his love for history, avid reading, and a particular fondness for westerns. He was a member of Port Neches Lions Club since October 1974 and was a supporter of the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville. He was not shy about his unwavering support for PNGISD academics and athletics. Curtis was a member of the First Methodist Church of Port Neches and in earlier years with the former FUMC, he shared his faith by teaching Sunday School and served on various committees. At home, Curtis loved landscaping his yard and had a fondness for rose gardens. He was most excited to transform his yard into a festive Christmas wonderland during December with his Santa and snowman blowmold collection. He was a keen collector of antiques and enjoyed grilling outdoors, often sharing these moments with loved ones.

Above all, Curtis cherished his family. He supported Linda in her 30-year career as a teacher with PNGISD often helping her prepare her classroom each year or building a project she needed. His support for education continued after her retirement, as he became a member of the Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel. While Curtis spent many hours each day at work, he always made time for his children. Whether being a cub pack leader, attending scouting activities, traveling for dance competitions, attending sporting events or school presentations, Curtis was present and involved. This attention extended beyond his children to his grandchildren. He was very proud to tell others of having two granddaughters who are educators and a grandson who is actively serving in the US Army.

Curtis is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Linda Harrison; his son, Rodney Harrison and his wife, Janice; his daughter, Peggy Harrison. He leaves behind his adored grandchildren, Kori Lunceford and her spouse, Greg, Tia Rossmann and her spouse, Mallory, and Hunter Harrison, as well as his precious great-grandchildren, Marley Lunceford, Lillian Lunceford, and Grady Lunceford. Curtis is also survived by his sister, Gay Nell Harrison Mullican and extended family members Kelly Harrison, Patti Small and her husband Donnie along with a number of special friends who called him Uncle Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Clinton and Lamerle Holt Harrison.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to Dr. Kimberly Pitts and her Christus Family Practice team, along with the nurses and staff of Stonewood Hospice, for their exceptional care of Curtis and unwavering support to the family. A special thanks is extended to Janis Kuykendall for her outstanding daily care of Curtis and to his sister Gay Nell for always being there when needed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Port Neches Lions Club, c/o Penny Jaetzold, 2342 Merriman St, Port Neches, TX 77651.

A visitation for Curtis will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches, Texas, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. A graveside service will take place at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas, immediately following the service.