Dr. Walter Joseph Harrelson

I will always remember Dr. Harrelson's live interview on WSM radio with Teddy Bart. An anxious caller wanted to know from Walter how he(the caller) could be certain of God speaking to him. Walter answered, "be patient, God always makes sure the call is heard." i have used that in sermons and cpe groups for 34 years. say hello to Liston when you see him.

My seminary professor Dr. Harrelson deeply impressed me with his gracious presence, genuine humility, and deep wisdom concerning the Bible and God's desire for Christians and Jews to live as one family of faith. Dr. Harrelson helped shape several generations of pastors, scholars, and teachers. Thanks be to God for the gracious, rich life that Dr. Harrelson so generously shared with us all.

He was my major professor at Vanderbilt, and a gracious individual. Although I was an evangelical, we were able to talk about that, and he never held it against me or those from the Church of the Nazarene or the Adventists, etc. I graded papers for his Old Testament Introduction and Old Testament Theology courses, proofread his book on Worship in the OT, and collated material for him in a study of the teaching of biblical languages. In a testimonial for him I once wrote that he was the...

Walter was a great, sturdy old soul whose influence will continue on through the pages he wrote, the words he preached and taught, and in the careers of younger receptive souls who, like myself, grew and prospered under his guidance and example.

I am about to retire as an Army Chaplain, and my every act of ministry through the years has borne the indellible influences of Dr Walter Harrelson. My affections for him will never die, and my prayer now for his family is for the fullest measure of comfort and consolation that comes only from the God Dr Harrelson so faithfully served, all his days of his life.

It should be remembered that Walter was the founding father of the Pseudepigraphia Breakfast/seminar/group/section, which may be the longest continuing section in the SBL, and was a major figure in the massive Ethiopian manuscript microfilming project.

Dr. Walter Harrelson was our anchor during our years at Vanderbilt. He was a master of words, and he, unintentionally, taught us to be like him. Yet, we have no words to fill the holes that are in our hearts nor especially the hearts and souls of you, his beloved family. God's blessings as you mourn the death and celebrate the life of this loving, compassionate, and wise man.

Dear Family Members,

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the passing of your loved one, Dr. Walter J. Harrelson.

I want you to know that during this time of sadness and sorrow, may you find healing for your heart in the knowledge that there are others who truly share your loss. May God bless you and your family in your time of need.

Sincerely,

Dr. Vivian H. Burke
Mayor Pro Tempore
Chairman, Public Safety Committee
Council Member, Northeast Ward