Robert Leonard ‘Bob’ Harrington

Famed New Orleans evangelist Bob Harrington, known by many as “the Chaplain of Bourbon Street,” passed away of kidney failure on July 4, 2017 in Stigler, OK, where he had lived the last seven years with family. He was 89.

Born Robert Leonard Harrington on September 2, 1927 in Coxheath, AL. he attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, University of Alabama, Marion Military Institute, and Sweet Water High School. He was a cadet in the United States Navy then was a professional studio photographer and life insurance salesman before going into the ministry.

Bro. Bob preached in the French Quarter of New Orleans and around the world in crusades and on television. In 1962, he was proclaimed “The Chaplain of Bourbon Street” by Mayor Vic Schiro. He wrote eight books and produced 30 record albums with two gold album awards.

Harrington is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Harrington Kelley (Chuck) of New Orleans, LA and Mitzi Harrington Ramsey Woodson (Steve) of Stigler, OK; four grandsons, Charles Ramsey of Mobile, AL; Dent (Samantha) Ramsey of Moroeville, AL; Aaron (Catherine) Ramsey of New Orleans, LA; and Brent Ramsey of Paris, France; two great grandchildren, Alice Logan Ramsey and Jack Harrington Ramsey of Monroeville, AL.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Harris Harrington; parents, Robert Coleman and Ludie Shoultz Harrington, both United Methodist ministers in Alabama; one brother, Jerry Hill Harrington of Thomasville, AL; and one son, Robert Grey Harrington.

Visitation will be held at Sweet Water Baptist Church on Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am service time. Burial will be in Aimwell Baptist Church Cemetery in Sweet Water, AL. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Stigler, OK on Saturday, July 29, 2017. Another memorial service will be held in New Orleans on a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, consider encouraging a seminary evangelism student with a scholarship through the Bob Harrington Evangelism Scholarship Fund, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 7012.

To share your personal connection with Bob and for more information, please contact family through the Bob Harrington, Chaplain of Bourbon Street Facebook page.

Local arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Thomasville, AL.

All obituaries taken from the website of the corresponding funeral home unless otherwise noted.