David P. ‘Big Dave' Harrison, 56, of Butler died unexpectedly Wednesday evening of natural causes while at his camp in West Hickory, Forest County.

He was born in Butler on Aug. 20, 1954, a son of the late William W. and Katherine “Kay” Stephenson Harrison.

He retired as a foreman for PennDOT in 2008, following 34 years, and he was a past president of AFSCME, Council 83.

Dave was a member of the R.C. Men's Club in Herman, the American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora and the Happy Hunters Sportsmen's Club in Fenelton. He most enjoyed hunting, camping, auto racing and golfing and especially spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley M. Schultz Harrison, who he married Feb. 14, 1975; two children, Melissa Wheeler and her husband, Bradley, and William D. Harrison of Butler; two grandchildren, Jeremy A. Hettrick and Sydni Wheeler; five brothers and their spouses, Richard and Kristie Harrison, Thomas and Mara Harrison, Gerald and Kathy Harrison, William and Laura Harrison, and Donald and Sandra Harrison, all of Butler; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant sister.

<B>HARRISON</B> — Friends of David P. “Big Dave” Harrison, who died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, will be received at the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B>, 201 E. Cunningham St., from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Memorial Day, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 821 Herman Road, Butler. The Rev. Mark Carter, OFM Cap., will officiate.The family suggests that memorial donations be sent to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 37th Floor, Gulf Tower, 707 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.