Thomas Harrison Sr. | Tire store owner, 72

Thomas Warren Harrison Sr., 72, of Lansdowne, former owner of Tommy's Tires, died of lung cancer Sunday, May 30, at home.

Mr. Harrison grew up in Southwest Philadelphia. After graduating from John Bartram High School, he went to work changing tires at a tire store in Clifton Heights. He then worked for a tire business in Southwest Philadelphia.

In the early 1960s, he bought the business and established Tommy's Tires. He later moved his enterprise to a former gas station nearby, with space to rotate tires and offer oil changes. He had a reputation for honesty and was popular with his customers, said his wife, Patricia Satchell-Harrison.

Mr. Harrison was an active Mason for more than 35 years, and Tommy's Tires became an informal gathering place for members of the Masonic brotherhood. He operated the TCB Fraternal Plus store, which sold Masonic apparel and church badges, at his tire business for several years with a sister and a friend.

Mr. Harrison sold Tommy's Tires in 2005. He continued to operate TCB Fraternal Plus in Lansdowne until he became ill last year.

At 14, Mr. Harrison had a job setting up pins in a bowling alley and became an accomplished bowler, competing in local leagues. He enjoyed travel, baseball, casinos, and westerns on TV.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Thomas Jr. and Kirk; a daughter, Chandra; a stepson, Tyrone Peterson; a brother; three sisters; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 5301 Spruce St., where a Masonic service will begin at 9:45 and a funeral at 11. Mr. Harrison chaired the men's committee and was a past vice president of the church ushers. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery, Fernwood.