Herman Harrison took wings as an eagle and soared into the arms of Almighty God on December 25, 2020. He fought the good fight and transitioned late Christmas Day in the arms of his loving wife, surrounded by his children.

Born a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Herman has resided in Toledo, Ohio since 1972. He is the son of the late Reverend Andrew C. and Vera Harrison. Herman is preceded in death by both parents and sister, Mattie (Howard) Spiller.

Herman completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biological Science and Chemistry at Grambling State University in 1969. Upon graduating, he taught in the Mansfield and Caddo Parish (Shreveport) School Systems for several years. He was enrolled as an auditing student at Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Findlay, Ohio. Herman and Barbie enjoyed taking many classes together to further their Biblical knowledge and understanding. They eventually launched Harrison Ministries in 2020. One of his favorite classes was Tuesday morning Bible Study with Pastor Daniel Bellavia of First Baptist Church in Maumee, Ohio.

Herman worked at Libbey Owens Ford Glass Company as a Research Chemist. LOF transferred Herman and his wife, Barbie, to Toledo, Ohio in 1972. After working for LOF for more than 13 years, Herman became employed by BASF Corporation (Housed at Toledo Chrysler Jeep in Toledo). He oversaw the Electro-Coat Paint Division and was later transferred to Detroit as a Marketing & Technical Sales Representative retiring in 2006.

In 1975 Herman was ordained as a Deacon at Macedonia Baptist Church under the late Pastor, Rev. Elijah S. Hicklin and served as a role model for other deacons. He also provided leadership in many other church ministries. After 30 years of service at Macedonia, he continued as a Deacon for 15 additional years at Third Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Kevin J. Bedford and Dr. K. David Johnson. He was licensed as a minister of the Gospel and served as a minister of Pastoral and Congregational Care with his wife.

Herman married the love of his life, Barbie J. Coleman on December 22, 1968. They shared 52 years of marriage and were blessed with three beautiful children: Brian, Marcus, and Kristan. Herman was a strong God-fearing man, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a supportive friend to many.

To know Herman was to love him. As many saints of God prayed for his recovery encouraging him to come forth to give his testimony, Herman reiterated to his wife, “Barbie, my life is my testimony. The life I lived speaks for me.” He told his wife that he was tired and was prepared to go to his eternal home. He further informed Barbie to, “Tell everyone I love them and I will see them in heaven.” He had an affectionate and contagious smile, a natural sense of humor that could make anyone laugh, was all about loving and protecting his family, teaching and advising younger people about doing things right and for the right reason and was a Bible enthusiast. Rev. Herman made a lasting impact on everyone he met. Hundreds of persons have called and/or provided words of expressions relatively expressing the same sentiments about the man many affectionately called, “H”.

Herman publicly accepted his call to preach the Gospel in November of 2014. Many were extremely happy when he accepted his calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His first love was reading, spreading and teaching the Word of God for which he took very seriously. He was profound in recalling the various Bible stories and the names of Biblical characters.

Herman is survived by his loving wife, Barbie; children Brian, Marcus (Adriana), and Kristan; brothers, Cornelius (Neal) Harrison, Charner Harrison (Annie), Joseph Harrison (Sally), Johnny Ray Harrison; 7 grandchildren (Diarre, Isiah, Tavion, Addie, Phillip, Marcus II and Andrew); a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, neighbors, and loving friends throughout the United States.