Newt Parks Harrison, 90
April 2, 1935 – September 2, 2025
Mr. Newt Parks Harrison was born April 2, 1935, in Union County Hospital, New Albany, MS. On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, He went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His parents were Walter Cecile Harrison, and Martha Ann Parks Harrison.
He grew up in New Albany, MS, graduated from New Albany High School and then went on to finish his undergraduate degree at Millsaps college. After completing his undergraduate degree, he attended the University of Mississippi and received his Juris Doctor on the May 26, 1968. From there he began his law practice with the Brunini Law firm in Jackson, MS until he retired at the age of 68. While practicing, he was recognized as one of the nation’s top lawyers in Oil, Gas, Utilities and Telecommunications work.
He also was very involved in his church, Christ United, in Jackson MS. He taught many Sunday school classes and Bible studies, as well as participating in several ministries such as delivering food with Meals on Wheels to shut -ins and participating in the Gleaners association. He served faithfully in the church to raise money for scholarships. He was also proudly associated with the Boy Scouts of America whereas a young man, earned his Eagle Scout. At age 17, he was given the distinguished honor of being one of thirteen Eagle Scouts in the United States chosen to meet President Eisenhower at the White House. In his latter years he was awarded the coveted Silver Beaver Award which is the Boy Scouts highest award for adult volunteers
In 2018 He was awarded the Millsaps “Jim Livesay Service Award” from the class of 1957 representing exceptional voluntary service at Millsaps College.
In spite of awards and accolades, the thing that he loved the most was his time with his family. After retiring, the hobbies he enjoyed were the ones that included his grandchildren, such as wood working, taking them fishing, hunting, or cheering for them from the sidelines of a basketball court, a soccer field, a horse show, ballet recitals, concerts and volleyball games.
He was a man of integrity, honesty and strength. He lived a life that followed Christ. He was humble and lived out his faith. He knew God’s word and taught his family what it means to live for and walk with Christ. His gentleness and peace of Christ were evident. He will leave an amazing legacy in how he loved his family and lived his life in service to Christ.
He is survived by his wife, (he affectionately called his “Sweetheart”) Mary Lene (Atkins) Harrison( married 62 years), his 2 children: a daughter, Katherine Harrison Harding (Dr. Eric D. Harding) and a son, Dr. Newt Parks Harrison, Jr. (Lauren Hutchinson Harrison), eight grandchildren: William Harding (Jordan Harding), Harrison Harding (Erin Harding), Amy Harding, Chelsey Harding, Hannah Smallwood (Sam Smallwood), Madeline Robertson (Ross Robertson), Parks Harrison (Olivia Harrison), Julia Hutch Harrison and 2 great grand children: Kimber Harding and Hayes Harding.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 o’clock noon to 2:00 pm and the funeral at 2:00 PM at First Methodist Church in New Albany, MS. A small graveside service will follow afterward for the family.
In lieu of flowers all donations can be made to St. Jude.
United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements. For online condolences and guest registry, please visit www.unitedfuneralservice.com
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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