Ab Harrison

Ab Harrison

Ab Harrison was born December 31, 1919 in Sachse, Texas.  He was the grandson of Mr. Sachse from whom Sachse, Texas was named.  Mr. Harrison was married for 60 years to Wylie resident and Wylie High School graduate Annie Sue Ellenberg.  They raised two daughters, Elaine Massey and Anita McFearin, both were Wylie High School Graduates.  Mr. Harrison passed away December 30, 2001.

Ab Harrison was a true American Hero.  He served from 1942-1945 in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant in the South Pacific.  While in the military he was sent to Hawaii and what was left of the destroyed Pearl Harbor.  He was also sent to New Guinea, The East Indies, Philippines and Japan.  During his tour of duty Mr. Harrison received the Purple Heart Medal, Three Battle Stars, the Combat Badge, Good Conduct Medals, Battalion Recommendations, and the Silver Star.

After the war, Mr. Harrison served for 40 years as a U.S. Postal Rural Letter Carrier until his retirement in 1987.  From 1947-1979 he was the only mailman in Wylie.  As a postman, he was always helping families, whether picking up prescriptions or a bag of feed and bringing it with the mail.  People would leave Mr. Harrison a note and money in the mailbox asking for his help and the next day he would stop and pick up the items needed.

Mr. Harrison gave to his community in many ways.  He served two terms on the Wylie Independent School District 's School Board, winning the election with all but seven votes from the school district's registered voters.  He was a member of the City of Wylie Planning and Zoning Commission, Volunteer Fireman, member of the Wylie Lion's Club, and a member of the Sachse Church of Christ.

For many years Mr. Harrison assisted R. C. Dodd with the high school sports teams, when Mr. Dodd was the only coach in the Wylie School District.  For his support and help in coaching the teams, the students presented Mr. Harrison with a school letter jacket.  Mr. Harrison along with wife, Annie Sue, would ride the buses with the students going from game to game.  He never missed a ball game.  He also worked with students over the years, helping them with reports regarding World War II and sharing his experiences during those tumultuous times.

Before any of the roads were paved in Wylie, Mr. Harrison was the “downtown sweeper.”  Every week he would go downtown and sweep the dust and gravel from the storefronts.  He was paid a quarter by each business owner.

Mr. Harrison loved the Wylie community and served it well during his lifetime.  Ab Harrison Intermediate School is proud to carry the name of a true Wylie and American Hero.