Richard Benjamin Harrison

 Harrison was introduced to Joanne Rhue at a barn dance at the age of 17 old. Joanne Rhue was the daughter of Joseph Rhue who became a North Carolina county judge and later, one of the top lawyers for Philip Morris. They were married in 1960. Harrison stole a car before they were married. When he was detained at the time, he was given the choice of going to jail, or the military. Harrison chose to enter the United States Navy in Oct 1958, and was able to complete his mission. Joanne became pregnant right following their marriage. Their first child, Sherry, was born with Down syndrome. Their three other sons included Rick, Chris, and Joseph. Harrison quit the Navy on February 1962. He rejoined 14 months later in order to receive the health benefits Sherry was unable to pay his medical bills. At the age of six, she passed away. of age, she passed away. Harrison ultimately served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, which included stints as a paymaster, and achieving the rank of petty officer first class. Harrison was a part of four ships, including his final five years on the tug of the fleet USS Chowanoc (ATF-100) from 1972 until 1976.In 1967 Harrison was transferred by the Navy to San Diego, California. He continued serving in the Navy as Joanne gained her real estate license in the year 1970 and set up her own office in 1973. Harrison was discharged in 1979 from the Navy. He was employed part-time in the office of his wife after he was discharged. A decline in sales of real estate caused by interest rates as high as 18 percent cost Harrison $1,000,000 and the collapse of this company in 1981.