Joseph Alexander Harrison of La Plata, MD left this life and entered into the joy of his Savior's presence on August 27, 2013. He was preceded in death by parents Pressley and Ruth Harrison, and his beloved wife Ruby. He was born October 20, 1920 in Morristown, TN and raised in Knoxville TN, and graduated Knoxville High, Class of 1939B.

He began a commended 34-year career with the FBI, Ident Division in 1941, interrupted only by WWII service in US Army in the Pacific theater as an MP in the 466th MPEG Co.

He married Ruby "Scoots" Strickland of Barboursville, VA on Feb 26, 1944, and they celebrated 60 years together. They raised three sons, and niece Jan as their daughter.

Joe was active in church, local politics, PTA, Boy Scouts, the American Legion, NRA and the International Association for Identification. He was saved by the grace of GOD through his faith in the LORD Jesus, Christ, March 8, 1953, and ordained as deacon at Temple Hills Baptist Church in 1970. Joe and Ruby retired to La Plata, MD where he continued community service as Beautification Commission chairman and Town Farmers' Market Master until civic retirement as "Market Master Emeritus" in 2012. During his twenty six years of volunteer service in La Plata he accomplished many lasting improvements.

He is survived by sons, Michael (Carolyn), Louisville TN; Robert, Baltimore MD; Kevin (Sherrie), Stafford Va; grandsons Craig, (Nichelle and great-grandson Malcolm), Paul (and great-granddaughter Rosalynn); and niece Janice Strickland Sapp (John), Melbourne, Fl.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of La Plata, Pastor Wendell Stokes officiating, with a private military honor guard interment at Cheltenham National Cemetery at dates to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of La Plata, 9070 Hawthorne Rd., La Plata, MD 20646.

Arrangements are being made by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, La Plata, MD.