John William “Bill” Harrison, 98, of Owings, passed away on October 3,2025, at Calvert Health Medical Center in Prince Frederick, Maryland. He was born on July 4,1927, in Owings, Maryland, the son of Mary Elizabeth (Moreland) and Rufus Dolly Harrison.

Bill grew up alongside his four siblings on their family farm in Owings and attended Calvert County High School, graduating class of 1944. He joined the United States Army on September 28, 1945, entrusting his older brother to care for their family back home while Bill served alongside his friends overseas. Following his honorable discharge from service, he returned to Muddy Branch Farm where he raised tobacco for 53 years before accepting the “buyout”, switching to other crops and hay.  He devoted much of his life to lovingly caring for his mother and 2 sisters at the family home.  He took great pride in his work, and, loyal to his tractor of choice, was rarely seen without his green John Deere hat on his head. When he wasn’t out in the tobacco fields, he could be found watching his favorite baseball team, the Washington Senators—now known as the Nationals, at many of his great-niece’s softball games and spending time with local friends and farmers catching up on the latest news. Bill’s greatest passion was his family and friends, and he will be remembered most of all for the kindness he shared with all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his niece, Elaine Shepherd (Wayne), nephew Edward Burrucker, great-nieces Amanda Shepherd (Clare), Sarah Burrucker, Katrina Allen (Wayne); great-nephew Robert Shepherd (Erin); great-great-nephew Ashby Harrison Shepherd; and Cousin David King (Michele). Bill was preceded in death by his parents Mary Elizabeth & Rufus Dolly Harrison; siblings Lawrence T. Harrison, Mary D. Harrison, Alice E. Leatherbury, and Irma E. Harrison; niece Mary Robin Burrucker, and nephews Stephen W. Leatherbury and Lawrence T. Harrison, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in remembrance of Bill to Future Farmers of America: https://ffa.givenow.stratuslive.com/ffadonate