| Real Name: | Joanne Rhue Harrison |
| Birthday: | September 2, 1940 |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Height: | 165 cm |
| Occupation: | American Businesswoman, Mother of Rick Harrison |
Joanne Rhue Harrison is an American businesswoman who gained recognition as the wife of the late Richard Benjamin Harrison, known as “The Old Man” of “Pawn Stars.” Born on September 2, 1940, in Kernersville, North Carolina, Joanne shares the zodiac sign Virgo. She married Richard Harrison in 1960 after meeting him at a barn dance when he was 17. Joanne played a significant role in building the family business alongside her husband and his work on the popular television show.
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, the family business, has been thriving thanks to the combined efforts of Richard, Joanne, and their children. With her position as Head Director, Joanne contributed to the growth and success of the establishment, amassing a net worth of around $3 million. The pawn shop’s fame and appeal further increased with the airing of “Pawn Stars,” a reality TV show featuring the daily operations and transactions at the store.
The loss of Richard Harrison on June 25, 2018, was a significant blow to the Harrison family and the Pawn Stars community. Joanne Rhue Harrison, an integral part of their lives and business, has carried on in his absence. Despite the challenges, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop continues to operate as a testament to the strong foundation established by both Richard and Joanne.
Content Compass
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family Roots
Joanne Rhue Harrison was born on September 2, 1940, in Kernersville, North Carolina, United States. She grew up in a family with a notable father, Joseph Rhue, who served as an honorable county judge. While there isn’t much information on her mother and siblings, Joanne’s upbringing was seemingly in a supportive environment.
Joanne attended Kernersville High School and graduated in 1959. After completion of her high school education, she moved on to the next chapter of her life – her marriage.
Marriage to Richard Harrison
In 1960, Joanne Rhue married Richard Benjamin Harrison, who would later gain fame as an executive on the popular television series “Pawn Stars.” Throughout their marriage, the couple welcomed four children: Rick, Joe, Chris, and Sherry Harrison.
Richard and Joanne were married for nearly six decades until Richard’s passing in 2018. Their life together included facing personal challenges and celebrating successes, creating a legacy that brought their family into the public eye.
Family Dynamics
Children and Siblings
Joanne Rhue Harrison, the wife of the late Richard “Old Man” Harrison, found success in her real estate business and later along with her husband with their 51% majority ownership stake in the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Joanne and Richard were dedicated parents to their three sons, including their well-known son, Rick Harrison. They were a loving and supportive family, navigating both the challenges and joys of raising children.
In their family, the Harrisons experienced the difficulties of living with Down Syndrome, as one of their sons was born with this genetic condition. This did not deter them from providing unconditional love and support to all their children and becoming an admirable example of unity and perseverance.
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Over the years, Joanne Rhue Harrison and Richard Harrison became pleased grandparents. Their dynasty expanded as they were blessed with five great-grandchildren, enriching their family dynamics. Joanne and Richard cherished the moments and memories created with their growing family.
Joanne and Richard’s family legacy continues beyond their children, as their grandchildren and great-grandchildren benefit from the strong foundation established and the love shared within the family. The Harrison family’s bonds are a testament to Joanne and Richard’s commitment to their family throughout their lives.
Business Ventures
Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
JoAnne Rhue Harrison is a notable American businesswoman who maintained a majority ownership stake of 51% in the renowned establishment known as Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. This Pawn Shop, which gained even more fame as the central location of the popular TV series “Pawn Stars,” specializes in buying and selling a wide range of secondhand goods such as jewelry, antiques, and collectibles. JoAnne’s involvement in the Pawn Shop has contributed to her reputation as a skilled entrepreneur and has played a significant role in the overall success of the family business.
Real Estate Endeavors
In addition to her involvement in the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, JoAnne Rhue Harrison has also dabbled in the real estate business. During the early years of her marriage to late American businessman and TV reality star Richard Benjamin Harrison, she attempted to establish herself in the real estate market. JoAnne obtained her real estate license and focused on creating a small real estate venture to support their family.
Unfortunately, her initial real estate business struggled, prompting the couple to consider other options such as moving to a city with more opportunities. Despite the challenges in her real estate endeavors, JoAnne’s persistence and dedication to her ventures have been a driving force in her career and ultimately contributed to her net worth.
Pawn Stars and Television
Richard Harrison’s TV Legacy
Pawn Stars, a popular reality show on the History Channel, featured Richard Harrison, aka the “Old Man”, as one of its prominent figures. He co-owned the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, located in Las Vegas, along with his son Rick Harrison. The show provided a unique insight into the daily operations of the pawn shop, demonstrating the family’s expertise in evaluating and acquiring rare and valuable items. Richard Harrison was a key figure in the show’s success and became a well-known reality television personality. His presence on Pawn Stars contributed to the show’s high ratings and inspired spin-off series such as Counting Cars and American Restoration.
Family’s Role in the Show
The Harrison family played a significant role in the success of Pawn Stars. Apart from Rick Harrison, Richard’s grandson Corey Harrison was also a part of the show. Their combined knowledge and skills in the pawnshop business created a dynamic atmosphere, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
Corey’s childhood friend, Austin “Chumlee” Russell, added a touch of humor and spice to the show, making it even more enjoyable for viewers. The show managed to maintain a balance between being informative and entertaining, largely due to the interesting personalities of the Harrison family members and their interactions with one another, as well as with customers.
In summary, Pawn Stars became a television phenomenon, driven in part by the charismatic presence of JoAnne Rhue Harrison’s husband, Richard Harrison, and the rest of the family. Their passion for the business and the wealth of experience they brought to the screen made the show a compelling watch for viewers worldwide.
Legal and Estate Affairs
Will and Inheritance
After Richard Harrison, the “Old Man” from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, passed away, his will came into the limelight. Joanne Rhue Harrison, his wife, and their three young sons were the primary beneficiaries. Richard had accumulated a significant net worth of $9 million and had multiple assets, including the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and real estate holdings.
The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop became not only a successful business but also a popular reality TV show, “Pawn Stars.” Joanne played a crucial role in maintaining control of the business by holding a 51% ownership stake.
| Beneficiary | Relation to Richard | Share in the Estate |
|---|---|---|
| Joanne Rhue | Wife | 51% |
| Richard Harrison | Son (Rick Harrison) | 49% |
Legal Positions and Litigation
Joanne Rhue rose from a strong legal background, as her father, Joseph Rhue, was a county judge in Kernersville, North Carolina. Later, he served as one of the lead attorneys for the tobacco company, Philip Morris.
As a result of her upbringing, Joanne understood the importance of legal documentation and estate planning to avoid possible conflicts. The couple ensured that legal matters were handled carefully and consulted experienced professionals for guidance. They were also proactive in seeking resolution in disputes, aiming to avoid unnecessary litigation.
In the end, the Harrison family achievements and foresight have helped create and maintain their legacy in both the business and reality TV worlds. Joanne Rhue’s involvement and dedication to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and her family’s estate have played a significant role in the business’s growth and success.
Personal Life
Community Engagement
JoAnne Rhue Harrison was born on September 2, 1940, in Kernersville, North Carolina. Growing up, she was known for her community involvement and generosity. As a prominent figure in Kernersville, JoAnne was dedicated to giving back and supporting those in need. She has an impressive track record of engagement in charitable and social initiatives.
Health and Vitality
Despite facing challenges in her life, JoAnne Rhue Harrison has shown resilience. With a Virgo zodiac sign, she embodies the qualities of determination and hard work. However, JoAnne faced a difficult time in her life when she lost her daughter, Sherry, under tragic circumstances.
In terms of personal health, JoAnne’s husband, Richard Harrison, suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which eventually led to his passing. Throughout the entire ordeal, JoAnne remained strong and supportive of her husband during his battle with the illness.
Married Life
JoAnne Rhue Harrison married Richard Benjamin Harrison in 1960, with whom she had three sons – Rick, Joe, and Chris Harrison. Together, they tackled challenges and experienced triumphs, proving their commitment and love for each other. One of the most significant obstacles they overcame together was when JoAnne’s real-estate business began to struggle. Determined to not let the family down, Richard stepped in with his own resources to support JoAnne and their children.
In conclusion, JoAnne Rhue Harrison has led a life full of both strength and compassion. Her commitment to community engagement and her unwavering support for her family through the most challenging moments speak volumes about her character.
Memorial and Legacy
Richard Harrison’s Memorial
Joanne Rhue Harrison is the widow of Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., also known as the “Old Man” on the hit TV show “Pawn Stars.” Richard passed away on June 25, 2018, and a memorial was held in his honor. He was laid to rest at the Forest Hill Memorial Park in Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina. The couple had been married for 58 years at the time of Richard’s death.
The Harrison family, including Joanne and their children, Rick, Joe, and Chris, alongside fans, friends, and the “Pawn Stars” community, paid tribute to the “Old Man” at the memorial. Richard’s legacy continues to live on through his wife, children, and the successful Gold & Silver Pawn Shop business he co-owned.
Ongoing Influence
Richard and Joanne’s family faced many challenges throughout the years, with the most notable one being the tragic loss of their first child, Sherry, who was born with Down syndrome and lived to the age of six. Despite these hardships, the couple remained supportive of each other. Joanne played a significant role in supporting her husband’s career and the pawn shop business.
Under their guidance, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop has flourished and achieved fame through the “Pawn Stars” television series. The shop continues to attract people from all over the world, and its success is a testament to Richard and Joanne’s hard work and dedication.
In summary, the memorial and legacy of Richard Harrison, the “Old Man” from “Pawn Stars,” serves as an inspiration to both his family and fans alike. Joanne Rhue Harrison, with their children and extended family, continue to uphold the values and entrepreneurial spirit that have made the family business so successful and iconic.
Social and Cultural Impact
Contribution to Kernersville
JoAnne Rhue Harrison, born in Kernersville, North Carolina, has made notable contributions to her hometown. As a prominent businesswoman, she has helped boost the local economy and provided opportunities for growth in the region. Although details about her specific ventures are limited, it is evident that her entrepreneurial spirit has left a lasting impact on her community. Kernersville has benefited from JoAnne’s commitment and dedication to the prosperity of the town and its residents.
Presence in Media
JoAnne Rhue Harrison has also experienced media presence as the wife of the late Richard Benjamin Harrison, known as “Old Man” from the popular television series “Pawn Stars.” Her son, Rick Harrison, is an American businessman, reality television personality, and owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop featured on the show. In her biography, JoAnne has been portrayed as a strong and determined individual, contributing to her husband’s success and their family’s stability.
While JoAnne’s direct presence on social media is not prominent, her family’s fame and the popularity of “Pawn Stars” have contributed to her cultural impact. The show’s viewers have become more aware of JoAnne and the Harrison family’s backstory, leading to JoAnne being discussed and respected within various online communities.
Overall, JoAnne Rhue Harrison’s impact on society extends from her contributions to her hometown of Kernersville to her family’s presence in the media and popular culture.