Rodney W Harrison

Our dearly beloved Rodney William Harrison was born on March 24, 1957, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the union of Robert W. Harrison and Gracie Jennings-Harrison. He was the eldest of seven children. His family moved to San Jose, California when he was a young boy and this is where he received his education from elementary to high school. Because of his gifted physical stature and natural athleticism, he excelled in sports ranging from wrestling to javelin and football. Also, he became affectionately known as “Big Rod.”

Rodney highly excelled in football and receive a scholarships to Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. During his years at Weber State, he played as a Starter and in 1976 he was presented with the prestigious award, as a “College Football All American”, by the great Jessie Owens. After graduating college, he remained at Weber State, as a coach of the Defensive Line, the Head Coach the JV Team. Also, he coached the Place Kickers for nine years.

While living in Utah, Rodney gave his life to Christ and this started a new chapter in his life. This lead him back to North Carolina in 1988 and landed him a job with State Farm Insurance Company as an All Lines Adjuster. After six years, he resigned from State Farm Insurance Company and began working as an Independent Catastrophe Adjuster for PILOT Catastrophe Services in 1994.

During the summer of 1995, while visiting his family in California in 1995, Rodney met his “true soulmate and love of his life” Deborah Henderson. He married her on June 1, 1996. To this union, three children were born; Whitney and Alanna in Fresno, California and Shawnathan in Longwood, Florida.

Rodney continued, through hard work honesty, integrity, and leadership received promotions and became both Residential and Commercial Claims Trainer & Manager on many catastrophes, while employed by PILOT. After 18 1/2 years and endless travel, sometimes with wife and kids in tow; he resigned from PILOT. He briefly worked storms in Toronto and Calgary, Canada. In March, 2015, Rodney became the Regional Claims Director for Siebel Claims Solutions, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This was where he led until he went to sleep in Christ on July 14, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his mother Gracie Jennings-Harrison. Rodney leaves to cherish his life and remember his dreams, his faithful and loving wife of 22 beautiful years, Deborah “Debbie” Lynette Harrison, two daughters Whitney and Alanna Harrison of Lake Mary, and one son Shawnathan of Lake Mary, Florida. His parents Pastor Robert W. Harrison and Barbara V. Harrison, three brothers Robert Harrison (Audrey), Ricky Harrison(Stacy) and Steven Harrison (Donya); three sisters Rosalind Harrison, Christine Lovely (Stan) and Angela Bryant, all of California.

Rodney will be affectionally remembered by his infectious smile, easy and calming personality, demeanor and being that all around “nice guy and a true gentleman” while still up holding true professionalism with the highest integrity. Rodney‘s love for sports and especially football, could not compare to the greatest love and passion in his life which was for Christ, his wife and children. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The hole in our hearts can only be filled by God’s divine love, peace and purpose!