Reddick Harrison, Jr.

A life well lived. Reddick Harrison Jr., age 77, passed away at Samaritan Hospital on Friday, February 27, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Reddick was born on July 28,1948, in Georgetown, South Carolina. He attended the public school system there, and after completing his education, moved to New York City in the early 1970s and lived with his sister, Sarah Mae. He later settled in Troy, NY, where he married the love of his life, Earnestine Major, on December 11, 1971. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two children. Reddick was the eldest son of Reddick Harrison Sr. and Lillie Mae Harrison.

He was employed by General Electric in Schenectady and later at the Waterford location, which became Momentive Performance Materials in 2006. A skilled heavy equipment machine operator, Reddick dedicated 38 years to the company before retiring in 2010.

Reddick was a faithful and devoted member of the Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church, where he was a true example of a servant leader. Over more than four decades, he served in many roles: a member of the Men’s Choir, the church sexton, and Chairman of the Trustee Board. He spent countless hours caring for the church grounds and maintaining the building through several pastoral administrations. Fifth Avenue AME Zion became his second home. Whether a task was small or large, if something needed fixing, he simply took care of it. He even built a choir stand that is still used every week.

In his free time, Reddick loved caring for his family, gardening, fishing, perfecting his well loved barbeque sauce, traveling with his sister, Sarah Mae and mastering the grill. A lifelong hard worker with an “I can do it” spirit, he also enjoyed spending time with his club, the Jamos Club, where he was one of the original founding members.

Reddick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Earnestine Major Harrison; his parents, Reddick Harrison Sr. and Lillie Mae Harrison; his brothers Willie Harrison, Jimmy L. Harrison, and Daniel Harrison; his sisters Ida Burgess, Bernice Broadnax, and Margaret Duncan; several brothers in law and sisters in law; and his close friends Prophet Foster and Dana Daniels.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy his two children, Tammy (Lewis) Parsons and Philip (Marcia) Harrison; and five grandchildren: Elijah, Ziaire, Kahlysa, Anisa, and Samad. He is also survived by his siblings Sarah Mae Robinson, Moses (Jennifer) Harrison, and Gloria Nettles; his special friend Sadie Rhodes and her family; brothers in law James (Mary) Major and Taylor Burgess; sister in law Josephine Major; goddaughters Andrea Foster and Kayla Darby; and his Jamos Club brothers: Eugene Jones, John York, York Keels, and James Darby. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended relatives who loved him deeply.

Reddick was a gentle giant who meant so much to so many. He was always willing to help others and was affectionately known as Dad, Pop Pop, Grandpa, Brother, Husband, and Friend. He may be gone from our sight, but he will never be gone from our hearts.

In honor of Reddick’s unwavering dedication to his church, donations may be made to Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church. Contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 1047, Troy, NY 12181, or sent through Cash App to $5THAMEZ.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with a celebration of Reddick's life to immediately follow at 11:00 am on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church in Troy. Burial will follow at Elmwood Hill Cemetery.