Joseph Lee “Joe” Harrison, age 64, of Ridgedale, Missouri, passed away on October 10, 2026, in Branson, Missouri.
Joe was born on December 28, 1961, in Rushville, Indiana, and grew up around Prattsville and Sheridan, Arkansas. At the age of 17, he left school with his parents’ permission to serve his country in the United States Army. He proudly served three years before beginning a long and dedicated career in trucking. Throughout his career, Joe logged more than 5 million safe miles driving across the United States and Canada, including several years with Quest Liner Freight Company. In the late 1980s, while living in Tacoma, Washington, he reenlisted in the Army and served as a convoy driver entrusted with transporting higher-ranking officers. He also served in the Army National Guard and took part in battling the wildfires in Yellowstone National Park.
Joe met Sandra in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and they were married on January 11, 1985. Joe not only loved Sandra dearly, but he also embraced her children as his own, adopting them and becoming the father they knew and cherished. In 1999, Joe, Sandra, and the family moved to Branson, and they made their home in Ridgedale for more than 20 years.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Harrison of Ridgedale; his children, Chad Harrison (Vanessa Turner) of Kirbyville, and Tiffany Harrison of Branson; his bonus son, Shane Lakey (Contessa) of Dadeville; two grandchildren he and Sandra adopted and raised, Jonathan and Evan; eight additional grandchildren whom he dearly loved, Logan, Hannah, Grace, Natalee, Kayla, Lexi, Carter, and Libby; and four great-grandchildren, Artemis, Harper, Sawyer, and Wrenley. He is also survived by extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dolphus and Anna Harrison, and by his siblings, Jim Harrison and Barb Schodowski.
Joe loved the outdoors and found joy in hunting, fishing, boating, and anything connected to the water. Each summer, he looked forward to family gatherings around the lake, and every New Year’s Eve he and Sandra hosted a special celebration for their grandchildren. Family meant everything to Joe, and he gave his heart freely to those he loved. He was known as a selfless, loving, and kind man, and he was truly a good person who never hesitated to help others.
He will be remembered with deep affection and lasting gratitude by all who were blessed to know him.
The family will hold a celebration of his life.
