Mr. Henry H. Harris

Henry Hanson Harris, Sr. was born on February 2, 1939, to the late Jesse Harris and Jessie White Harris in Columbia, South Carolina. He entered into eternal rest peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Henry was educated in the public schools of Richland County and was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1958. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina and his Master’s Degree at South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Henry then spent many years in the United States Army where he eventually retired from the Army National Guard.

He was an activist fighting for equality during the civil rights movement. His activism began while he was a student at Benedict College. On March 2, 1961, he was among 300 people who marched against discrimination from Zion Baptist Church to the South Carolina State House grounds. After engaging in peaceful protests, Henry was among 187 students who were arrested, tried and convicted for breach of peace. Others that were convicted included Rev. I. DeQuincey Newman, Dr. B.J. Glover, Leola Robinson, and James. E. Clyburn. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of those convicted that reached the United States Supreme Court, Edwards v. South Carolina. The court affirmed that the students had a peaceful student demonstration and advised that the conviction violated the rights of free speech and free assembly. Days after this victory, Henry joined fellow students for a celebration at the historic Zion Baptist Church.

Henry was an educator and taught at many schools in counties across South Carolina. He also coached football and basketball. He spent much of his life working with and pouring into young people.

Henry was a member of Miller Swamp Missionary Baptist Church while he lived in Allendale County. After he relocated to Columbia, he continued his walk with the Lord although his health made it difficult to attend services.

In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his son, Henry Hanson Harris, Jr.

Henry leaves to cherish his memories his three daughters, Bridgette D. Phillips, Tracy L. Sweatt, and Yvette (Kelvin) McCoy all of Columbia, SC; one daughter-in-law, Pamela Harris; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Friday of Columbia, SC; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

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