Johnny Elgin Harrison was born on March 4, 1932 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the youngest child born to the union of Wilford and Hazel Harrison. Mr. Harrison was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Hazel Harrison, and older brother, Lee Harrison. After losing his mother and grandmother at a very young age, Johnny moved to Washington D.C. There he worked in construction for a few years before embarking on becoming a business owner. He became a highly respected business owner and member of the community. He was known for his hard work, fairness and sharp style.

Johnny was people person and got along with mostly everyone. He spent a large portion of his life helping younger men who dealt with substance abuse with employment through his business. He was a vegetarian for over 45 years. Johnny loved to walk and experience new places all his life. After retirement, he became a part of an elder community within Washington, D.C. and began to be a part of gatherings that included Bid Whiz, Bingo, watching football games and listening to Nina Simone. He was famous for being able to know a person within the first few minutes of talking to them. Although he was not perfect and dealt with a number of personal issues in life, he pushed through and became a proud father and grandfather. One of his famous sayings was, "I just want a little sunshine."

Johnny departed this life on January 7, 2022 at home with his family. He leaves behind to remember him; his ex-wife, Edrena R. Harrison (Hopkinsville, KY); his only son, Johnny E. (Markia) Harrison II (Belleville, IL); his grandchildren; Ti'Erra Baxter (Hopkinsville, KY), Johnny E. Harrison III (St. Louis, MO), Britten Johnson (Belleville, IL) and Aaryanna Johnson-Nsoah (Belleville, IL); and a number of extended family and friends. In the end, Mr. Harrison found that "sunshine" he was looking for in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.