Barrie and Laura Harmon’s journey is a testament to a life well-lived, marked by love, service, and resilience. Both lifelong Montgomery natives, they met by chance in a grocery store checkout line, a serendipitous encounter that blossomed into a marriage lasting 45 years. Barrie’s dedication to the insurance industry through Harmon-Dennis-Bradshaw and the couple’s commitment to education and philanthropy have left a lasting impact on their community. Passionate supporters of the arts, education, and local charities, they continue to pour their hearts into making Montgomery a better place—one act of kindness at a time.
BOOM: Let’s start with your story. Can you share a bit about where you both grew up and how you met?
Laura: Both of us are lifelong natives of Montgomery and graduated from Sydney Lanier High School. Afterward, Barrie attended The University of Alabama with a degree in business. I graduated from Wesleyan College with a degree in social education. After moving back to Montgomery, we were both living the “single life” and, by chance, met in the checkout line of the A&P grocery store in Cloverdale. This eventually led to a wedding on Friday the 13th (for good luck), which has lasted 45 years and is based on mutual respect and appreciation of our personalities.
BOOM: Life is full of both mountaintop moments and valleys. In 2005, you faced unimaginable grief after losing your daughter. How did you navigate that season of loss, and how has it shaped your approach to life, love, and even helping others through their own grief?
Laura: Although our life together has been blessed and filled with many happy experiences, we encountered the ultimate tragedy when our daughter and only child, Stephanie, was killed by a drunk driver in an automobile accident on May 15th, 2005. Although the grief was overwhelming, it made us stronger Christians and solidified our relationship. Our advice to anyone who has encountered the unfortunate experience is to grieve together and counsel other families who have had the same experience.
BOOM: Giving back seems to be woven into who you are. What motivates your passion for volunteering in the River Region, and how have you seen your involvement impact others and your own lives?
Laura: Living in Montgomery our entire lives makes us realize the importance of making our community a better place. The Montgomery community enhanced and benefitted our lives through business, friends, churches, and various philanthropy activities. We are very involved and supportive of the arts, including ASF, MMFA, Alabama Dance Theatre, Montgomery Symphony, etc., but we also have a strong commitment to various charities and organizations that serve the underserved citizens of our community.
We are especially active in the Montgomery Christian School, Boys & Girls Clubs, Mercy House, Common
Ground, Central Alabama Community Foundation, Valiant Cross Academy, and Bridge Builders. Philanthropy feeds on itself in that the more you give, the more rewarding it becomes. I think we derived this community commitment from our parents, who were also very charitable.
In addition, we are very fortunate that our charitable and philanthropy goals and commitments have created a partnership between the two of us. We have both benefited from life in the Montgomery community and thus, we feel an obligation to serve and elevate the quality of life.
BOOM: Montgomery Christian School holds a special place in your hearts. Why has it become such a meaningful part of your lives? What excites you most about its growth and the generational impact it’s having on families in the community?
Laura: Montgomery Christian School holds a special place in our hearts because of its success and religious mission. To fully appreciate the unique success of MCS, you must understand its very modest beginnings as a preschool at Trinity Church in 2005 with only a few students. Today, under the current leadership of Headmaster Pam Mclemore and the Board of Directors, their success is unprecedented. Their grade levels are above public-school performance in math 163%, reading 143%, and writing 45%.
Every child who has graduated from the 6th grade has been awarded a full scholarship to Magnet and Lamp Programs as well as local private schools. 100% of the students who attended MCS from K-5 graduated from high school. This is remarkable as education is the cornerstone of our society, and MCS is providing opportunities to our underserved community.
Because of the growth and reputation, there are currently 80 students on the waiting list, which has necessitated a capital campaign that is in the process of purchasing the Aldersgate Methodist Church facility.
BOOM: Community is often built through shared passions. As avid Alabama football and basketball fans, how has following the Tide created meaningful friendships and traditions for your family over the years?
Laura: We have a mixed Alabama/Auburn marriage in that we both have family Alabama and Auburn allegiances. College football has always been a passion for both of us and has generated an occasionally lively conversation. However, with age, the conversation has been modified to some degree.
BOOM: Travel seems to be another passion you both share. From cruising the seas to European adventures, what have been some of your most memorable trips? And what is it about travel that continues to fuel your curiosity and connection?
Laura: We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel extensively. It is an adventure to experience other cultures, religions, history, etc., and we have traveled to some very exotic destinations like Africa, India, China, Morocco, and most European countries. In addition, as we age and mature, cruises have become a very relaxing method of travel.
BOOM: How has having a home in Highlands, North Carolina, become a retreat for you? What do you love most about spending time in the mountains, and how does it balance out your active life in Montgomery?
Laura: We are fortunate to have a vacation home in Highlands, which has become our retreat and sanctuary in July when the temperature is 75 degrees. A roaring fire and a glass of wine are the perfect forms of relaxation. Highlands provides a setting to restore the mind and soul. This is where we go to slow down and recharge.
BOOM: As you both look back on your lives so far, what advice would you offer to others about aging well?
Laura: Aging is a reality that is difficult to grasp sometimes. You must put your life in perspective as your priorities change. lt’s imperative that you maintain a positive attitude and continue to be active.