Ronnie L Harrison

Obituary Program Link

Live Streaming Link (Tabernacle Baptist Church Facebook Page)

Early Life and Faith

Born on February 20, 1951, in Selma, Alabama, Ronnie was the eldest child of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Dewitt Harrison, Sr. At an early age, he accepted Christ and united with Green Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Charles A. Lett. His faith remained a guiding force throughout his life and was reflected in his service to both Green Street Baptist Church and later Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in various roles, including usher and church clerk.

Education and Professional Leadership

Ronnie graduated from R. B. Hudson High School in 1969 and continued his education at Selma University and Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He believed deeply in the value of education and dedicated his professional life to helping young people pursue greater opportunities.

As Director of the Upward Bound Program at Selma University and later Concordia College Selma—retiring in 2014—Ronnie mentored and encouraged countless students. Under his guidance, many became first‑generation college graduates and went on to build successful careers in education, healthcare, business, ministry, government, and other professions. Former students frequently credited the Upward Bound Program and Ronnie’s mentorship and unwavering belief in their potential as instrumental to their achievements. Many remained in contact with him throughout their lives, often regarding him as a trusted mentor, role model, and father figure, and continued to reflect on his lasting influence even into their own retirements.

Civic Engagement and Fraternal Service

A respected civic leader, Ronnie was part of the generation that helped change America.  As a Foot Soldier in the Civil Rights Movement in Selma, he stood among those who courageously challenged injustice and worked to secure rights and freedoms that we enjoy today.  He was actively involved in Leadership Selma–Dallas County and was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He generously shared his talents, time, and wisdom with numerous other organizations and causes throughout the Selma area. He worked quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes, never seeking recognition but always willing to serve.

Ronnie’s service extended deeply into church life. He faithfully served as an usher, church clerk and was a dependable worker wherever needed. If something needed to be organized, decorated, planned, or completed, Ronnie was often the person people called.

Creative Excellence

Ronnie possessed a remarkable creative spirit and an eye for elegance and detail. Long before computers, social media, and modern publishing technology, he designed beautiful wedding programs, church programs, and commemorative booklets that people treasured for years. He transformed sanctuaries and fellowship halls with thoughtful decorations that reflected both creativity and love. He believed that every celebration, wedding, and worship service deserved excellence.

Style, Grace, and Warmth

Known affectionately throughout the community as a sharp dresser, Ronnie carried himself with style, grace, and confidence. Shop owners and clothing merchants knew him by name and counted him as a friend.

While Ronnie was known for his professionalism and dedication, he also had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh and bring joy to every gathering. Whether at family reunions, church events, class functions, weddings, or community celebrations, he often became the life of the party. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and playful spirit brightened countless lives and turned ordinary moments into cherished memories.

Ronnie believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well. Whatever task he accepted—mentoring students, planning events, decorating sanctuaries, designing programs, serving his church, or helping a friend in need—he approached it with commitment and excellence. He never sought praise or recognition; his satisfaction came from knowing the job had been done right and that someone had been helped along the way.

Enduring Legacy

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Harrison; his brother, Eddie W. Harrison, Sr.; and his beloved brother-in-law, Clifton E. Elder. 

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue the legacy: three loving siblings,  John D. Harrison, Jr. of Selma, Alabama, Deborah Elder of Cottondale, Alabama, and Ira (Ricky) Austin of Selma, Alabama; nephews and nieces, Kenneth (Rochelle) Harrison of Calera, Alabama, Eddie W. (EJ) Harrison and Chanice Harrison of Hyattsville, Maryland, Ricky Austin, Jr. (Sherry) of Prattville, Alabama, and Greyson and Cameron Belton of Calera, Alabama; special cousins, Wanda, Vanessa Goodwin and Ashlyn Goodwin of Selma, Alabama; and Roosevelt (Barbara) Harris of Titus, Alabama; an adopted son, Chase Brown of Montgomery, Alabama; and Upward Bound students who became like his children.

A Life of Faith, Service, and Purpose

Ronnie L. Harrison was a devoted man of faith, service, and purpose whose life made a lasting impact on his family, church, students, and the Selma community. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy remains alive in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026 at 12 Noon from the Tabernacle Baptist Church with Reverend Otis Culliver, officiating. Burial will follow in the Pineview Memory Gardens with Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home serving with excellence through professional service. Mr. Harrison will lie in repose one hour prior to the funeral hour at the church.  

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