Mike Harrison Sr.

A faithful servant of Jesus Christ, a loving husband of 59 years, a blessed father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and encourager to many-and yes, he loved the brethren-Michael C. Harrison, Sr. took his first step into his eternal home in heaven on Thursday, September 24th. We are confident in his eternal salvation through his Savior, Jesus Christ. We will miss him for a few years, but we will see him soon.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

- II Timothy 4:7-8

Born September 11, 1946, in Ragley, Beaugard Parish, Louisiana, to Van Harrison and Lillian Ware Harrison, Mike grew up with a deep love of learning and of God's Word. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 9 when Reverend U.A. Doiron visited his parents at their home. His parents accepted Christ as well and they joined the Moss Bluff Bible Church. He graduated at the top of his class from Sam Houston High School in Moss Bluff, Louisiana, and received a full scholarship in literature to Louisiana State University. After his freshman year at LSU, Mike answered a clear call to the ministry. He continued his studies at Dallas Bible College and then at Criswell College in Dallas, where he earned his bachelor's degree and completed coursework toward a master's degree in counseling.

On August 5, 1967, Mike married the love of his life, Connie Jane Tuggle, at Garland Bible Church in Garland, Texas. They shared 59 years of marriage and a lifetime of ministry side by side. Over the years the couple made their home in Moss Bluff, Louisiana; Garland, Flower Mound, and Lewisville, Texas; and finally, Cleveland, Tennessee.

Mike poured out his life in service to the Savior. He served as pastor, circuit preacher, church planter, deacon, Sunday school teacher, bus captain, and Salvation Army chaplain, and he gave himself to many other ministries besides. In his last professional role he served as Dean of Students at a private Christian college in Lewisville, Texas. He was most recently a faithful member of Shenandoah Baptist Church.

Those who knew Mike remember a man who delighted in the study of Scripture, in tracing the genealogy of families, and above all in time spent with his own. At church he was known for greeting, encouraging, teaching, discipling, and witnessing. He loved fishing, LSU football, writing poetry, and telling stories. His favorite hymn was "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and among many of his favorite verses, he leaned on was Romans 8:18 - "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Van Harrison and Lillian Ware Harrison; his brother, Tim Harrison; his brother-in-law, Jim Woodhouse; and his grandson, Ethan Michael Harrison.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Connie Tuggle Harrison; his sisters, Brenda Harrison Woodhouse and Belinda Harrison Cakste and husband Gunars; his children, Michael C. Harrison, Jr. and his wife Melissa; Tami Greene and her husband Jevin; and Judi Brown and her husband Tim; his grandchildren, Luke Harrison and his wife Adrianna; Josh Zarbaugh and his wife Stephany; Levi Harrison; Drew Brown and his wife Emma; Lydia Harrison Schmidt and her husband Phil; Lance Harrison; Jonathan Crawford and his wife Hannah; Kate Brown; Annie Brown; Eli Brown; Mila Brown; Jolee Brown; and Evee Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Elliot Michael Harrison, Evelyn Zarbaugh, Liam Harrison, Elsie Zarbaugh, Elijah Crawford, Emma Laine Harrison, Goldie Zarbaugh, and Oliver Michael Brown; along with a host of extended family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the Shenandoah Baptist Church in honor of Mike's lifelong love for the work of the Gospel.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 5:00 pm at Shenandoah Baptist Church located at 138 Osment Rd., Cleveland, TN 37323.The family will be receiving friends from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm prior to the service. A Graveside service for family members will be held immediately following the service.

"Were the whole realm of nature mine

That were a tribute far too small

Love so amazing so divine

Demands my soul my life my all."

                                                                                         - Isaac Watts


You are invited to share a personal memory of Mike or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.