Gerald Matthew Harriman, 89, of Fayetteville, died May 23, 2021, at Willard Walker Hospice Home. He was born August 13, 1931, in Japton, AR. to Harrell and Dessie Eubanks Harriman.
Gerald was an educator in Northwest Arkansas for 37 years, retiring as principal. He was a proud Army veteran having served during the Korean War.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Clark Harriman, parents, three brothers, Glenn Harriman, Kenneth Harriman, and Roy Harriman, as well as a sister, Doris Boyd.
Gerald is survived by one sister, Betty Stowers of Elkins, two brothers-in-law, Bruce Clark of Elkins and Max Clark and wife Letha of Japton, two sisters-in-law, Charlotte Morris, and husband Bill of Murfreesboro, TN and Lily Faye Harriman of Elkins, as well as 17 nieces and nephews, 32 great-nieces and nephews, and many great-great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Beard’s Funeral Chapel with Jack English officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Enjoyed working with Gerald many years at Happy Hollow Elementary School. He will be missed.
Mr. Harriman was my elementary school principle at Happy Hollow. He was gentle and kind to the kids. I remember he was always present walking the school watching out for us all. From drop off to bus pick up He was there and so many loved him dearly. Kids would just go up and hug him. I am so blessed to have known him and will always remember the kindness he showed me and so many others..Rest in Peace
We are so sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was one of the best.
Mr.Harriman was my principal when Happy Hollow Elementary School was opened. He was a wonderful boss! Fair to his teachers and students and always wanted his students to succeed. He led by example. I will really miss this kind, loving man who had a servants heart for helping others
Karen Lewis McDonald
Gerald was such a nice man. He and Virginia had no children of their own so he thought of the students as his children. RIP
I remember him as our principal first at Jefferson Elementary then at Happy Hollow, Rest In Peace!
Mr. Harriman was the kind of man that men should strive to be. He was always so kind to all the kids at Happy Hollow Elementary. He was stern when he needed to be. I have any memories of him and I cherish them all.
Rest in peace Mr. Harriman.
Mr. Harriman was my principal at Happy Hollow. I have never forgotten how kind he was and how much he cared. I was just reflecting the other day what wonderful educators I had in my life he was counted among the finest. RIP and fly high!
He was my principal in elementary school and my brothers also. He loved his school and the students. He sewed my brothers shorts up one day when he tore them at school. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his students. Such a wonderful man. He will truly be missed.
I am very sorry to hear that
He was my sixth and seventh grade teacher at Greenland school,then principal at Happy Hollow school when my daughter and son attended there.Then,many years later,he was my friend! He was a kind man,that meant a lot to me!I enjoyed our visits at my restaurant more than he could ever know!He will be missed!
Our sincere sympathy to all of Gerald’s family. He was a fine Christian man who served the Lord’s kingdom and our country well.
Erik and the staff at the Christian Chronicle
My principal at Happy Hollow from the fourth.
Thank you for your service and the guidancein my youth.
Rest in peace, sir.