William G. Harrison

William G. Harrison, 86, passed away on September 10, 2016. A Norfolk, VA resident, Bill was the son of the late Lofton and Mary Harrison. Born in Wyandotte, MI, he attended Lincoln Park schools. Upon graduation from Lincoln Park High School in 1947, he began his 45-year career at Detroit Edison. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1948, serving aboard the USS Randall (APA 224). After his release from active duty in 1949, he returned to Detroit Edison. Recalled to active duty in August 1950 at the start of the Korean War, Bill served throughout the war on the USS Walker (DDE 517) as a Fire Control Technician. The ship supported 7th Fleet carrier task group operations and participated in shore bombardments. On his 21st birthday, Bill participated in nuclear tests at Eniwetok Atoll. He was a member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans, which supports and advocates for military and civilian personnel exposed to radiation resulting from nuclear weapons tests. When he was released from active duty in 1953, he again returned to Detroit Edison. A proud employee, Bill started as an assistant turbine operator at Connors Creek Power Plant and successfully rose within the company, retiring as plant superintendent of the Marysville Power Plant in 1992. He was founding member of the DTE Employee Assistance Program. A highlight of his professional career was his role as Console Operator for the initial power start up of the Enrico Fermi 1 nuclear power plant in 1963. In 1990, the Fermi 1 Pioneers Organization, which promotes the development and acceptance of nuclear energy, recognized his role in this historic event. Bill married the former Marilyn Holmes in 1950 and they settled in the Downriver area, where they raised their five children. Bill was an active volunteer, serving as a probation officer for the 33rd District Court. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Rotary International and the Knights of Columbus. Bill and Marilyn retired to Weeki Wachee, Florida in 1996, where Bill served as Eucharistic Minister at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church in Spring Hill. Bill moved to Norfolk to be closer to family in 2015. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, of 61 years, Marilyn. He is survived by his beloved, Helen Joseph; his children William (Joan), James C. (Julie), Katherine (Larry) Belinc, Patricia (Eric) Sattler and Marilyn (Thomas) Vaughn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, William (Brie) Harrison III, David (Hilary) Harrison, Robert Belinc, Erika Belinc, Peter Sattler, Rachel Sattler, Julia Sattler, and Isabella Harrison and great grandchildren, Emma Harrison, Calvin Harrison, Charlotte Harrison, Michael Koppy, Aria Belinc and Brionna Taylor. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-7pm at The Ridge Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 2272 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183, with a rosary at 7pm. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, in state at 930am with Mass at 10am, at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lincoln Park. Procession to Michigan Memorial Park will follow Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates contributions in Bill's memory to the Student Scholarship Fund at Gabriel Richard Catholic High School, 15325 Pennsylvania Road, Riverview Michigan 48193.