He Is Widely Known

For His Generosity

To Those In Need

By JOHN M. JONES JR.

Editor

Foy Harrison, who has become widely known in the community for his friendly manner, booming voice, and generous, quiet outreach to Greene Countians in need, was honored this week by the national Elks organization as a distinguished American citizen.

A delegation of members of the Greeneville Elks Lodge, accompanied by a few other friends, presented Harrison on Tuesday evening with a plaque signifying the award.

At Harrison's request, the presentation was made in the living room of his home on East Church Street because an advanced case of pancreatic cancer has drained much of his characteristic energy and strength.

The presentation ceremony was coordinated by John Allen, of the Elks Lodge, who nominated Harrison last year for the national recognition.

The plaque honors him as a recipient of the "Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award" -- sometimes referred to as the "Citizen of the Year" award -- given "For Outstanding & Meritorious Service To Humanity."

The recognition was presented "By Greeneville, TN, Lodge #1653 and the Grand Lodge, Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks."

It was signed by Ronnie Smith, Exalted Ruler of the local lodge, Phil Bullen, Secretary of the local lodge, F. Louis Saulsberger, Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks at the national level, and Jack M. Jensen, Grand Secretary of the national fraternal organization.

Background Of Award

Prior to the actual presentation of the plaque, Allen read the nomination letter he had written explaining why Harrison was an appropriate recipient of the award.

Later this week, Allen explained in an email to The Greeneville Sun that "The Grand Lodge Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks assists each subordinate Elks Lodge in providing leadership within each club as well as involvement in community activities.. . .

"In addition to our scholarship, youth, veteran, and other programs, each lodge is encouraged to select a citizen, not necessarily an Elk, who has contributed in a special way to improving the local community.

"This individual should be someone who has shown leadership in the community, has contributed voluntary service, and is recognized as being an all-around good citizen.

"Citizen of the Year is the highest award given to subordinate club candidates by the Grand Lodge.

"Our selection for this award was presented to the Grand Lodge for approval early this year and was approved in March."

He noted that the nomination had been approved unanimously by the local Elks lodge before being forwarded to the Grand Lodge for consideration.

Why He Was Nominated

Allen's letter of nomination stated:

"I would like to nominate Edward (Foy) Harrison . . . for the Elks recognition award, CITIZEN OF THE YEAR.

"Foy Harrison, the youngest of 13 boys and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee, most likely knows what 'tough times' is all about. Perhaps this is the reason for his continuous generosity and giving of himself to others in need. Foy's motto in life is 'God wants us to help widows and children.'

"There are probably a million times when Foy has helped other people, most of which we'll never know. Some of the things we do know are:

"He has helped many elderly persons who have no family, to adjust to new lifestyles by organizing, [selling] and disposal of household items and antiques when it became time for them to move from their homes and downsize the personal belongings, without taking any payment for his help or time.

"He has helped many families who have become destitute when they lost all their possessions due to a fire by taking up collections of food, clothing, mattresses, and other household goods.

"Annually he has volunteered to conduct auctions at some of the local churches to help them with their fundraisers by acting as their auctioneer and not receiving payment for his time.

"He has been involved with Youth Builders for many years. For a number of years he has collected broken and discarded bikes and repaired them for children at Christmas. Each Halloween, Foy gathers up wagons and hay to give children a hay ride at Halloween.

"Foy heard about our coat drive and collected 22 coats for the Elks Lodge 2006 winter coat drive for homeless veterans.

"Most recent, with assistance from others in logistics, PR, and delivery, Foy raised all the money, bought or begged all the food, cooked and prepared baskets himself for 1,000 needy people in Greene County.

"Even with Foy's recent health problems, he fixes dinner and delivers it to a homebound older lady . . . almost every night.

"Foy never seeks recognition but he sure deserves it."

'This Is An Honor'

Following the presentation, Harrison expressed warm appreciation for the honor, and entertained the living room full of Elks leaders and other friends with humorous stories from his rural childhood in Washington County, and his almost three decades of experience as popular grill chef -- and cheerful, multi-talented jack-of-all-trades -- at Link Hills Country Club.

Several of his stories involved his parents, the late Emory and Thelma Harrison.

"Thank you very much," he told the Elks delegation after being presented with the plaque. "This is an honor."

He added, "My daddy always said the only thing you keep is what you give away."

The presentation on April 8 was the second major recognition for Harrison in less than a week.

On Thursday, April 3, the board of directors and members of Link Hills Country Club had honored him in various ways for his 27 years of service to the club.