William Harrison

William Herman Harrison’s story began on November 8th, 1942, in Rochester, Texas, when he was born to “Shorty” and Juanita. He loved his parents and siblings deeply. Occasionally he would share stories about growing up and even though he talked about working on the farm, dirt floors, clothing made of flour sacks and moving around often, there were never any negative connotations. He loved his childhood and was proud of his roots.

During his high school years, he loved playing halfback for the Hereford Whitefaces and the seed was planted for a lifelong love of football. Anyone who knew Herman knew that he was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys from the day of their inception in 1960. His love for everything Cowboys was woven throughout every facet of his life. Before his passing, in November of last year, his children and some of his grandchildren had the honor of taking him to Dallas to see his team play in their new stadium. His two surviving siblings, along with some of their children and grandchildren were able to drive down and see him and celebrate his 82nd birthday with him during this time.

After graduating high school, Herman joined the US Navy as a radar and electronics technician. He didn’t talk a whole lot about his time in the Navy, but he did talk about serving on the USS Hancock during the Vietnam War. Upon further research, it was found that many missions were launched from that aircraft carrier during his time serving there.

After his time in the Navy, Herman went on to begin his 48-year career with Northrop Grumman (still Litton Industries at that time), where he worked in several positions, eventually retiring as the Test Engineering Manager. During this time period, he met his wife, Angela Harrison, with whom he would have shared a 50th wedding anniversary in September of this year. Herman had a son from a previous marriage - Aaron, and he and Angela had two children - Jamie and Bryan. They began their married life in Lubbock, Texas. Prior to the birth of their children, Herman was transferred to Grants Pass, Oregon, where they raised Jamie and Bryan. They spent many years there before eventually being transferred again to Salt Lake City, Utah.

During his time in Utah, Herman also volunteered for Disaster Relief through his church. He traveled to several places, both in the US and internationally where he provided help and assistance when disaster had struck.

To know Herman was to know true unconditional love and compassion. He was always the first to crack a joke (occasionally at inappropriate times), but also the first to offer a shoulder to cry on and wise words of advice. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague and hero. A selfless, strong, hard-working man, with a huge capacity for gentleness and forgiveness. He was friends with everyone and formed many, many strong relationships throughout his life - with family, at work, at church and even with random people in the community. He was the anchor point for his family, where there is now a gaping, Herman-shaped hole. The legacy he left behind is unmatchable and the love he exuded during his lifetime will be felt for generations to come.

Herman’s faith in and relationship with God was his foundation. He was a remarkable man who never pushed his faith on anyone, but shared his faith in every second of his life by being a living example of God’s love and compassion.

Herman passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home on May 4, 2025. He is preceded in death by James William Austin Harrison (father), Leona Juanita Harrison (mother), Patsy (sister), Paul (brother), Peggy (sister), Aaron Paul (son). He is survived by Angela Harrison (wife), Bryan and Tiffany (son and daughter-in-law), Jamie (daughter), Rachel (daughter-in-law [Aaron]), his grandchildren - Tiffany (Aaron), Chenoa (Jamie), Taven (Jamie), Braxton (Bryan), Korbyn (Bryan), Misha (Bryan), Isaiah (Bryan) and of course, his dog Roxy.

In lieu of flowers, Herman would love for you to make a donation in his memory to the church he was a member of, New Life Christian Fellowship in Tooele, Utah. You can do so at www.nlot.org. Just go to the “Give” tab at the top right.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 8th at 6:30pm at New Life Christian Fellowship (411 E Utah Ave, Tooele, UT), with a reception to follow. Please wear your Dallas Cowboys gear or Dallas Cowboys colors!

We love and miss you dad, dad-dad, Herman, Hermy, Hermie-poo…

If ever you’re missing him, you’ll just need to look in the sky over Dallas during football season. He will undoubtedly be sitting up there in a recliner, watching his team. Thank you Jerry Jones, for leaving that hole in the roof!