Final Salute

Harrison Pope Barton, 80, of Watkinsville, GA passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Harrison was born in Royston, GA, eldest son of the late Judson Doyle and Delina Jane McCrary Barton.

Harrison graduated with the Royston Class of 1962 before traveling to El Centro, CA with a friend for what turned out to be his permanent homeplace for 50 years. While there, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy; U.S. Navy Seabees as a 2nd Class Engineering Aid; Mobile Construction Battalion 53. Harrison served two tours of duty in Vietnam, returning to El Centro, CA.

He is a graduate of Imperial Valley College with further studies at San Diego University and University of California, Riverside, CA. He received his degree with honors in Engineering becoming a Licensed Professional Surveyor and also served in California and Arizona. He was a past president of the Desert Chapter of the California Land Surveyors Association and also served ten years as chapter representative to the State Board of California Land Surveyors Association. Harrison returned to his “home” state of Georgia in 2013 upon his retirement from TESCO Engineering and Surveying, both his company as an employee and his company in ownership.

Harrison is survived by his daughters, Laura (Phil) Esbenshade and Melissa (Keith) Hodgkin; grandsons, Brady Conner Hodgkin, Mason James Hodgkin, Max Harrison Esbenshade, and Philip Ollie Esbenshade; great grandsons, Jacob William Hodgkin and James Darrow Hodgkin; brother, Judson D. (Rhonda) Barton; sister, Delina E. Bramlett (Steve) Roll; nieces and nephews, Evva and Delina Barton, Lauren and Makala Bramlett, Judson D. (Tasha) Barton, III, Hunter and Harrison S.(Ariell) Barton, Taylor Bramlett, and Laiken Lee Roll.

He is also survived by Harriett R. Lester, his significant partner.

He is preceded in death by grandparents, James Earl and Eugenia Nelms Barton of Bowman, GA and Dr. Harrison Lee and Delina Ann Brown McCrary of Royston, GA; and a nephew, Barton Lee Roll.

A graveside service for Mr. Barton will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.