Herley James Harrison

Herley James Harrison, more commonly known as “The H Man,” away peacefully in Lansing, Michigan on December 22, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at University of Michigan Health - Sparrow in Lansing, Michigan. Age 79 years. He was born Friday, January 11, 1946, in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of the late Wheeler Sr. and Bertha Harrison.

In Herley’s early years, he played multiple sports, and they called him “Whirley Herley” for his football prowess. He also enjoyed playing hooky from time to time sneaking down to the “stanky creek” with his friends for a swim, only to get caught by Ma Bert.

After high school, young Herley was seeking some direction. Wheeler Sr. told him not to mess with The Foundry, but Herley didn’t listen. After a small accident there, he enlisted in the United States Army at 18 years old. He served his country from 1964-1968 and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne.

Herley graduated from Muskegon High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in Business Management. He was a dedicated Spartan…Go Green!

Herley loved to cook, draw, bowl, listen to music, tell stories, and travel. He was an avid reader – a true renaissance man. He loved spending time with his family, especially at the Harrison-Mathews Family Reunions. He was one of the 1st Black managers at the Meijer Distribution Complex in Lansing where he retired after 33 years.

Herley met Joyce on the campus of Western Michigan University. His best friend, Spencer, introduced them to one another at a house party. They courted for four years and were married on June 19, 1976.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Joyce Marie White-Harrison; children, Tarone (Nancy) Gilbert of New York, New York, LaTreace (Eugene) Richardson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jamii (Julie) Gilbert of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Lela Gilbert of Las Vegas, Nevada, Wali Harrison of Houston, Texas, Dawan Harrison of Muskegon, Michigan, and Jeremy Harrison of Lansing, Michigan; brother, Wheeler Harrison, Jr of Muskegon, Michigan; sister, Charlotte Sherrod of Muskegon, Michigan; four brothers-in-law, Jesse White, Jr. of Tampa, Florida, Marshall (Cindy) White of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hugh (Guy) Green of Fayette, Mississippi, Jevon (LaTonya) White of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three sisters-in-law, Glenda (Virgil) Griffin, Cloretta (Jordan) Hudson, and Rhonda (Willie) Bolden all of Fort Wayne, Indiana; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wheeler Harrison, Sr. and Bertha Harrison; siblings, Shirley Ann Harrison-Watkins, Talib (Roy) Shakir; father-in-law, Bishop Jesse White, Sr.; mothers-in-law, Inez Green and Ionie White; siblings-in-law, James Sherrod, Melvin White and Patricia White; and his best friends, Spencer Norman, and Al Banks.