UPDATE JULY 1: Friends and family gathered to say their final goodbyes to 77-year-old Richard Harrison Sunday.
Harrison was affectionately known as "The Old Man" on the History Channel show "Pawn Stars."
His passing was announced on Monday by family members.
“I got a call at four something in the morning…I did want to believe it," says Charlie Duncan.
Duncan had been friends with Harrison for 29 years, a close bond he says started in Las Vegas over their love for music.
"I played at his wedding, birthdays, Christmas parties…he said who is this guy? It’s my best friend and that’s how we got started,” he says.
Charlie was one of many sharing their memories of Harrison. The funeral took place at Palm Northwest Mortuary and Cemetery.
The general public was allowed in to pay their respects, and was followed with a home-going service. He was then taken to be buried while dozens and dozens of friends and family members followed him there.
“He can’t be replaced, he can not be replaced," says Duncan. "There will never be another Richard Harrison."
UPDATE JUNE 26: The public is invited to attend a viewing for Richard "The Old Man" Harrison and share condolences with the family between 9 a.m. and noon July 1 at Palm Mortuary.
The public viewing will be followed by private viewing, memorial service, graveside memorial and celebration of life for family, close friends and associates.
UPDATE JUNE 25: 13 Action News went to the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn store and spoke to customers and others who shared fond memories of Richard "The Old Man" Harrison. We also spoke to former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.
ORIGINAL STORY
Richard Benjamin Harrison, known as "The Old Man," on the popular History Channel reality television series "Pawn Stars" has died.
His death was announced on Facebook early Monday morning. He was 77 years old.
"Pawn Stars" features the family and team behind the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn store, which opened in 1989, on Las Vegas Boulevard.
The show stars the late Harrison, his son Rick Harrison, Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison (Rick's son), and Corey's childhood friend, Austin "Chumlee" Russell. The show premiered in July 2009. It also stars several local experts.
Harrison was known for being cantankerous or grumpy but in a funny way. He would often bust the chops of his son or others in the show.
Related video: 'Old Man Wisdom'
The pawn store is now a popular tourist attraction and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Facebook post says he was surrounded by "loving family" and "went peacefully." It did not list a cause of death.
The family has released the following statement:
Richard Benjamin ‘The Old Man’ Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved. He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over. He was my hero and I was fortunate to get a very cool ‘Old Man’ as my dad. That I got to share him with so many others and they got to see what a great family man he was is something I am grateful to have experienced with him. He lived a very full life and through the History television show ‘Pawn Stars’ touched the lives of people all over teaching them the value of loving your family, hard work and humor. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and ask that we are provided some privacy at this time. – Rick Harrison
Thank you @GoldenKnights for the beautiful flowers in memory of my dad aka The Old Man. He was our Golden Knight for sure. pic.twitter.com/5PRAxCUcr3
— Rick Harrison (@GoldSilverPawn) June 25, 2018
Pawn Stars Richard Harrison spent 20 years serving in the US Navy. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate pic.twitter.com/ZzI6PApupm
— Jack Posobiec🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) June 25, 2018
Heartfelt sympathies to my good friend Rick Harrison @GoldSilverPawn and the entire Harrison family and all of my friends at #gspawn on loss of The “Old Man” Richard Harrison #rip #oldman #pawnstars #goldandsilverpawn #theguyfrompawnstars
— Steve Grad (@Steve_Grad) June 25, 2018
RIP Richard Harrison, thanks for all your grumpy jokes that made Pawn Stars all the better to watch. #PawnStars #RichardHarrison #RIP
— Jack Reeman (@JackBrights1d3) June 25, 2018
I am very sorry about “Old Man” Harrison’s passing. His son Rick and I are friends and I know the family is very close. RIP and may God bless them. https://t.co/2DTR2GDIry
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) June 25, 2018
RIP to “Old Man” Richard Harrison! I used to love watching pawnstars and went to the Gold + Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas to shoot some segments w/the cast for foxnews. #TBT #2011… https://t.co/QhCwVOpz7i
— Courtney Friel (@courtneyfriel) June 25, 2018
Sad to hear of the death of Richard "Old Man" Harrison of @pawnstars this morning. Just talked with show star & @GoldSilverPawn owner #RickHarrison, who learned of his dad's death at 4 a.m. "We knew it was coming. He'd had a long battle with Parkinson's. It just ravaged him."
— John Katsilometes (@johnnykats) June 25, 2018
Heartfelt sympathies to my good friend Rick Harrison @GoldSilverPawn and the entire Harrison family and all of my friends at #gspawn on loss of The “Old Man” Richard Harrison #rip #oldman #pawnstars #goldandsilverpawn #theguyfrompawnstars
— Steve Grad (@Steve_Grad) June 25, 2018
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Richard ‘The Old Man’ Harrison, a beloved member of the HISTORY and @pawnstars family. He will be greatly missed for his wisdom and candor. Our thoughts are with the Harrison family during this difficult time pic.twitter.com/2lPb3jUazf
— HISTORY (@HISTORY) June 25, 2018
Saddened to hear my friend 'Old Man' Harrison of #PawnStars, a #LasVegas icon, businessman, & Navy veteran, has passed away. Lynne and my entire family are praying for Rick, and all of the Harrisons during this difficult time.
— Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) June 25, 2018
An iconic, longtime Las Vegas business owner has passed away. @pawnstars’ Richard Harrison opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in our own downtown Las Vegas in 1988 (photo credit: @AETV) pic.twitter.com/RSNKeP6SUs
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) June 25, 2018
Saddened to hear of the passing of @pawnstars Richard Harrison. A true ambassador for @CityOfLasVegas and a #DTLV fixture.
— Carolyn G. Goodman (@mayoroflasvegas) June 25, 2018
