Mr. Norman Keith Harrison Obituary (1957

"All Gave Some, Some Gave All" SUMMERVILLE, SC - The Management and Staff of The Serenity Mortuary announce the passing of Mr. Norman Keith Harrison, 65 of Summerville, SC., who entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 29, 2023 at Summerville Medical Center, Summerville, SC. Mr. Harrison is a former teacher with Dorchester District 2, a retired 2nd Lieutenant with the United States Army and the beloved husband of Mrs. Sheryl S. Harrison. ***The Management and Staff of The Serenity Mortuary are honored to serve the family of the late Mr. Norman Keith Harrison, we are grateful for Mr. Harrison's service to his country and community, we humbly ask that you please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.*** ***IN LIEU OF FLOWERS THE FAMILY IS REQUESTING THAT DONATIONS BE MADE TO THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION IN MEMORY OF NORMAN KEITH HARRISON.*** Norman Keith "Keke" Harrison, the youngest of eight children, was born on August 3, 1957, in Summerville, South Carolina to Louis and Helen Sword Harrison. He professed a hope in Christ and lived his life accordingly. Having completed his primary education at Alston Elementary School, Norman graduated from Summerville High School in 1975. During high school, he wrestled and was a state champion runner-up. Norman was also a wrestling coach for both sons and other young people. He attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Norman graduated in 1982 from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, South Carolina. At South Carolina State he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Pre-Medicine. In 2000, Norman received a Master of Arts in Education from the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He also obtained an administrative certificate for secondary education. While attending South Carolina State College, Norman was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps/ROTC as well as a member of the Pershing Rifles. He joined the Army in 1983 and was stationed at Fort Knox Army Base in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Norman retired with the rank of Second Lieutenant. In the late 1980's, Norman worked as a site coordinator for Trident Urban League's D.A.D.S. (Dedicated and Diligent Service) program. His teaching career began in the early 1990's. Norman shortened his career in order to focus on his health. His life's journey tested his will to survive and thrive. Norman continued to brave the down times with strength, faith, patience, and optimism. To his family, friends and neighbors, Norman was, indeed, a real-life superhero. Time after time he defied the odds. He was stubborn that way. For eleven years, Norman taught physical science and chemistry to ninth and tenth grade students at Summerville High School. Norman was an inquisitive kid and maintained that need for knowledge. As a teacher, Norman imparted that quality to many of the young people who had the good fortune to come into his sphere of influence. For his efforts, he was awarded teacher of the year in 1992 and was also recognized as a district honor teacher. Norman married Sheryl Dean Smith on December 13, 1980. Together they shared a life full of love and happiness. That love blessed them with two sons. He was an immensely proud father and loved his sons dearly. They are the beneficiaries of his wise counsel. Norman considered himself a successful father because neither son asked to return home. He was very humorous. Norman was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. While enjoying a cigar, he loved listening to jazz and "the blues." He collected records and fished. Norman is known for his barbequing skills on the grill. He tinkered in his garage on projects and enjoyed Taekwondo. Norman Keith Harrison departed this life on Monday, May 29, 2023. To mourn his death and cherish his memories, Norman is survived by his wife, Sheryl Dean Harrison; by two sons, Norman Braxton Harrison and his wife Karina of San Elizario, Texas and Maxwell Keith Harrison and his special friend, Noelle Washington of Summerville, South Carolina; two brothers, Alphonso Harrison and his wife Deloris of Summerville, South Carolina, Reginald Irving Harrison and his wife Lori Ann of Long Beach, California; one sister, Melsetta McFadden and her husband Edward of Dennis Port, Massachusetts; brother-in-law, Derek Brown and his wife Marcel; sister-in-law, Brenda Proffit and her husband Grayson; mother- in -law, Catherine Brown; sisters-in-law, Ethel Harrison and Charlene Harrison. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Dominic Harrison, Nathan Harrison, Justin Harrison, Jaden Harrison, and Devin Harrison; nieces, Yvonne Simmons, Kendra Harrison, Erika Harrison, Kendyl Harrison, Wendolyn Abel, Allycin Branch, Danielle Smith, and Olivia Prioleau; nephews, Ian Harrison, Ethan Brown, Grayson Proffit II, Hayden Farrell, and Emilio Farrell; grandnephews, Jordan Simmons and Myles Branch; aunts, Betty Brown and Marva Brown; several cousins. Norman will be missed by lifelong friends, Al West and his wife Jerona and Leonard Mazyck; neighbors, especially, Dawn and Lyle Jones; fraternity brothers and many wonderful friends. A heartful thank you to the wonderful staff at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, Over many years, they provided Norman with professional and compassionate care. Norman is predeceased by his parents; sisters, Maurice Abel and Catherine Dunaway; brothers, Robert Harrison and Gordon Harrison; nephew, Gary Harrison and grandmother, Mary Sword. Norman, rest in peace. We will miss you.