Neville Leon Harrison, Sr. of St. Michael, Barbados attended St. Mary’s Boys School, Richmond
Secondary School and was among the first one hundred students accepted at the Barbados
Technical Institute at Richmond. At St. Mary’s Anglican Church, he sang in the choir, served at
the alter and rose to corporal in the Church Lad Brigade.
He cultivated a passion for sports and went on to represent Everton Sports Club in football and table tennis. Neville worked at
Courtesy Garage, Redman & Taylor and McEnearney Garage where he became the union
representative for the Barbados Worker’s Union. His commitment and involvement in his church
and community adequately prepared him for a life of service outside of Barbados.
At the age of twenty-one, Neville made a bold and daring move to St. Thomas U.S.V.I. Upon
receiving a sponsorship to further his career as an auto mechanic. He embraced the opportunity
and spent three years in St. Thomas learning all he could while preparing for a life defined by
giving, inspiring and motivating others. He left his mark on St. Thomas by introducing the game
of soccer and founding the first Barbados Association which is still in existence. In 2001 Neville
was honored for his influence and impact.
Neville emigrated to the United States, settled in Southern California and married his childhood
sweetheart, Dulcie Clarke in August 1965. To this union they raised three sons: Lionel, Neville
Jr., and Carl.
Neville worked as a factory trained technician at a Volkswagen dealership for four years before
opening Neville’s Auto Center, the second black-owned business in Santa Ana, CA. As a
successful businessman and devoted family man, he found the opportunity to sponsor and
coach both Little League soccer and baseball. He later became an assistant Coach at Canyon
High School. Always thinking of ways to impact others and offering opportunities, he
implemented programs in his business that offered on-the-job training through the local schools
and the juvenile probation department.
As Neville’s business thrived it became the cultural, social and political hub in the community.
He emerged as a standard bearer among the Caribbean community, always extending
friendship and a helping hand. Many can attest to the fact that when falling on hard times, he
helped them financially without seeking payment. He sponsored several West Indians for U.S.
citizenships and provided accommodations by opening his home to family and friends.
He was one of the founding members of Barbados Association of California (BACA). His
numerous awards include the National Association of Barbados Organization (NABO) Pride of
Barbados Award in 2001 and the BASC Golden Trident Award for community service in 2016.
Years of failing health and becoming legally blind did not deter him from being the hardest
working member of the Barbados Association of Southern California (BASC), which he actively
served on its Executive Board.