LAUREL HILL — The late John Harrison, a longtime postmaster in this north Okaloosa County community, has been inducted into the Florida Rural Letter Carriers Hall Of Fame.
A committee including the state historian, state board and past Hall of Fame members selected Harrison for the letter carrier union’s annual honor. The committee could select nominees living or dead.
Sandra Steele, who worked with Harrisonduring his 23 years as postmaster, said he was a "constant professional.”
"He went above and beyond to make sure his customers were satisfied," she said.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Harrison as Laurel Hill’s postmaster in 1953. Harrison worked at the same location until his retirement in 1986.
After joining the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, Harrison served on the union’s Florida board in 1977 and served as the union’s state president from 1980 to 1982.
Prior to his 33-year career at the Laurel Hill Post Office, Harrison worked on Eglin Air Force Base and served three years in the U.S. Navy.
Laurel Hill Post Office carrier Wayne White said he knew Harrison from the community and the numerous visits Harrison made to the post office following his retirement.
"He took his job and the jobs of others (in the post office) very seriously," White said.
Harrison died in 2007 at age 85; his wife Sybil died in 2010 at age 87.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Former Laurel Hill postmaster inducted into union's hall of fame