Reverend Herman Harrison

Reverend Herman Harrison

Rev. Herman Harrison took wings as an eagle and soared into the arms of Almighty God on December 25, 2020. He fought a 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 and 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.

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 (Annie) Harrison, Joseph (Sally) Harrison, 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.

Virtual Services entrusted to House of Day Funeral Service, Inc. 2550 Nebraska Ave., Toledo OH 43607 (419 534-2550). Family Hour (Open to Public) 12 Noon; Service (Invitation Only) 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021.