Ollie James Harrison

Ollie James Harrison Sr., lovingly known as “Pete,” “Big O,” and “Yak,” passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois, at the age of 84.

Born on April 20, 1941, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to the late Lowery and Annie Mae (Dodd) Harrison, Ollie spent his early childhood years in Kosciusko before the family relocated to Danville, Illinois, in search of a better life. As the proud big brother, Ollie carried himself with maturity from a young age—earning his driver’s license at just 13 years old and taking pride in driving his mother to the grocery store and on errands.

Ollie attended Danville High School, where he excelled as a standout athlete in both football and track. His athletic achievements earned him a scholarship offer from Western Michigan University.

After high school, Ollie pursued a long and successful career as a skillful welder. Over 45 years, he worked with dedication at Hyster-Yale, Berkeley-Davis, Walter Danville, and Freight Car America.

Known as the “ultimate hustler” and entrepreneur, Ollie also built several businesses of his own. He founded a car detailing business, a body repair and paint shop, and later, during retirement, launched a barbeque grill business. His “Ghetto Pits of America” grills became well-known and could be found throughout Vermilion County.

Ollie’s passion for cars was unmatched. Throughout his life, he purchased and sold countless models, with favorites that included the GTO, Charger, Thunderbird, Chevelle, and his beloved Buick Electra Limited—affectionately called “the duece” or “white girl.” His garage and driveway were always lively gathering places for friends and family, making him a true fixture of Danville’s “North End.”

Beyond his talents and ventures, Ollie accepted Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Abundant Life Church in Danville, Illinois.

Ollie was the proud father of Lisa Harrison, Carla Harrison, Alex Harrison, Tysha Mathis, Anthony Harrison (Heather), and Ollie “OJ” Harrison Jr. (Alyssa). He also cherished his stepchildren: Ronnie Rodgers, Martell Rodgers (Rita), Constance Rodgers, and Melvin Dewane Watkins. In addition, he was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to carry on his legacy with love.

His memory will forever live on in the stories shared, the driveways filled with laughter, and the lives he touched.

A wake will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Hope Unlimited Church, 428 N. Walnut St., Danville, Illinois.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ollie James Harrison, please visit our floral store.