Napoleon D. Harrison Jr.
Sunrise April 18, 1947 Sunset Sept. 29, 2017 — Napoleon was born April 18, 1947, to the late Napoleon Harrison Sr. and Carrie Belle Harrison in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Melrose High School in Memphis, Tennessee where he received a basketball scholarship to Arkansas A&M University in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Years later Napoleon decided he wanted to pursue a career as a broadcaster. He then moved to Chicago, Illinois where he graduated from the Career Academy School of Broadcasting. While in the city of Chicago he met his wife Vivian Butler, a medical student at a local university. They were married 47 years and were blessed with two daughters, Candice and Nakeva. The Harrisons moved to Florence, Alabama where Napoleon became a radio personality at WZZA radio station.
He retired from Reynolds Alloys after 23 years of employment as a lubrication specialist. In 1996, Napoleon became the pastor and founder of Lighthouse Ministries in Florence where he was committed to doing his best to serve God and the community.
Napoleon loved his two daughters and spoiled his grandchildren. He truly loved his family and made himself available whenever they needed him. In 2008, he began seminary school and received a bachelor’s in theology and a master’s of theology. He was a wonderful pastor and a mentor to many of his members and served both spiritual and physical food.
Pastor Harrison, along with his wife Dr. Vivian Butler Harrison, formed a local bible college, “Destiny School of Ministry,” where the people in the community could be taught the word of God. Napoleon was a strong believer in a man providing for his children, and he emphasized that to the young men that he mentored. Pastor Harrison was an inspiration to many, especially young men in the community who nicknamed him “Bubba.” He made a tremendous impact in the lives of everyone with whom he crossed paths.
In 2014, Pastor Harrison became ill but never allowed his illness to limit his relationship with God. He continued studying the word, praising God, and encouraging others through it all. He loved to dance and continued to do so until he became too weak to do it. Pastor Nap and Lighthouse Ministries merged with Open Door Church in Sheffield, Alabama under the leadership of Dr. Laura Thompson where he was faithful and continued to fellowship until he was called home to be with his Lord and Savior.
Visitation with the family will be today from 7-8 p.m. at
Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florence, Alabama. Funeral services for Mr. Harrison will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at Open Door Church, Sheffield, Alabama, with Dr. Laura Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, Florence, Alabama. The body will be placed in the church at noon. The public viewing will be today, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Florence, is directing.
