Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Herman Cain

Herman Cain, who captured the nation’s attention with his pursuit of the presidency and made a major impact on American business, passed away July 30, 2020, exactly 18 years to the day that he was licensed to preach the Word of God at his lifelong church, Antioch Baptist Church North in Atlanta, Georgia. Herman joined Antioch in 1955 at the age of 10 and despite his numerous moves throughout the U.S. and memberships at other churches, he always maintained his connection with Antioch until he returned back to Georgia in 1999. Herman would often be asked to preach on Sundays and during various special occasions at Antioch. He spoke at Men's Retreats and recently at the Antioch Council of Entrepreneurs. In fact, as recently as January of this year, he preached a New Year’s message on the 1st 7 Words of Christ.

Herman was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 13, 1945, and soon moved to Atlanta where he grew up in poverty and spent much of his childhood on his grandparent’s dirt farm nearby. But his parents, Luther Cain Jr. and Lenora Davis Cain, provided him with a loving and supportive environment and many valuable life lessons.They knew that their hard work was the key to achieving their American dreams and passed this on to their sons.

Herman graduated from Morehouse College in 1967 and later continued his education by earning his Master’s degree in computer science from Purdue University while working full-time as a rocket scientist, developing fire control systems for the Department of the Navy. Though Herman enjoyed using his talents as a civilian employee for the Navy, he gravitated towards business. Therefore, Mr. Cain transitioned into a business career, starting with the Coca Cola Company and later moving to the Pillsbury Company where he became one of Pillsbury’s vice presidents. He then accepted positions as an executive with Burger King and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza. His professional successes garnered the respect and admiration of industry peers who named him the President of the National Restaurant Association. Under Herman’s administration, the group grew significantly and began to lobby for the interests of America’s restaurateurs and small business owners, and in 1996 Herman was presented the prestigious Horatio Alger Award. Herman was also the recipient of numerous honorary Doctorate degrees from prestigious institutions including: Morehouse College, Purdue University, Creighton University, Johnson & Whales University, University of Nebraska, and Tougaloo College among others. Throughout his business career he also served on the Boards of Directors for several large organizations including, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City where he served as Chairman of the Board, Whirlpool Corporation, Super Valu, National Restaurant Association, Nabisco, Aquila Corp - Utilicorp, Reader’s Digest, Hallmark Cards, AGCO Corporation, and PB2 Foods, Inc.

After capturing America’s attention during a televised encounter with President Bill Clinton on the matter of health care policy, and after coming in an impressive second in his 2004 bid for the United States Senate in Georgia, Mr. Cain received the opportunity to host his own show on Atlanta’s WSB Radio. He also became the author of several books and a columnist. In 2011, he sought the Republican nomination for president, and surprised the political world by rising to the top of the polls on the strength of his 9-9-9 tax proposal. After his campaign, Herman returned to radio and keynote speaking while also making frequent appearances as a contributor to Fox News, and most recently Newsmax TV.

Above all else, Herman was a man of God. He will forever be remembered for his comforting smile, his infectious laugh, and his giving spirit. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gloria, his daughter Melanie (David) Gallo, his son Vincent (Karol) Cain, brother-in-law James (Lula) Etchison, Aunts; Bessie Randall, Josephine Allen, Ida Davis, Ritha Cain, Uncle, Aaron Cain, four grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Luther Cain, Jr., mother Lenora Davis Cain, and brother Thurman Cain. Private service to be streamed live online at HermanCainCelebrations.com, Friday, August 7, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

In lieu of flowers, please mail donations to:

Cain Scholarship Fund

C/o Antioch Baptist Church North

540 Cameron M Alexander Blvd NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

For online giving please visit antiochnorth.org. Click the blue TITHES/OFFERINGS tab and be sure to note “Cain Scholarship Fund” in the memo area.

Guest Book

All the conservatives loved Herman Cain...heaven's gain is our loss. We will miss the patriot you were. Prayers for your precious family. Love you all, Connie from West Georgia

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What can I say about Herman Cain? One could fill pages of how this man inspired me and millions of other people with his uplifting, encouraging, patriotic, energetic, and forward thinking speeches and talks. I'll never forget the first time I met him. The smile that could light a room and all the people clamoring just to have a few words or take a photo with him. Working in politics for a few years allowed me the opportunity to work with Mr. Cain on more than one occasion; and for this I am grateful. Our beloved Herman Cain is no longer physically with us but his passion and love for America lives on in our hearts. Rest in peace good man. #999 Nancy Milholland Racine, WI

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May the Comfort of God keep the "Cain" family. Thanks for sharing this ambassador of humanity. ALL of us have earned something though his service to this country. s/jeb, Chief Warrant Officer, USN

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What a great man Herman was. America has lost a great patriot, but Heaven has gained a great Christian warrior. Condolences to his family. R. Maunsell, Birmingham, AL.

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He was a friend of mine. May God keep his arms around and comfort his family.

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Prayers sent to the family of Herman Cain. He was a great, inspiring man who will always be remembered. Karen C

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I wish I could have met him. I miss him + enjoyed his personalty! I respected his opinions+loved his quick wit. What a great American Man! I'll have to wait until God Calls my name but I will meet him when I go to heaven. My Condolences to his family. Prayers from New Orleans Our Loss is Heaven's Joy.

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We have lost a great man and Christian, but Heaven has gained an angel. Prayers for Gloria and family that the Holy Spirit be upon them in this time of grief. Was at Clinton Nature Preserve and Centennial Park, only campaign I've ever contributed to. The world is darker without Mr. Cain in it. Kimberly Driskell, Douglasville, GA

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May God bless you and keep you.... Mr. Cain was such a great man. I thank our Lord for him being a part of our lives. I never met him in real life, but always loved hearing his insights and wisdom.

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A good man. We will miss you. Maudine Wright, Douglas, GA

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Herman Cain was a great man. He touched our minds, our hearts and souls. I will miss him until the day I leave this earth. Meanwhile, I will ride in his wagon and follow his words. Thank you God for sharing Herman with us. Julia Quinn

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My Prayers are with The Family of Mr. Herman Cain. Mr. Herman Cain will truly be missed for his contributions to the Business World, His Unique Perspectives on Politics and the Issues of the Day, His Campaign for President, as A Family Man, and as A Man of God. His Confidence, Persona, Tenacity, and Perseverance are all Attributes that we can learn from. R.I.P. my Morehouse Brother. Deacon James E. Washburn Jr.'94 - Mount Calvary Baptist Church

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My thoughts and prayers are with the Cain family. Mr. Cain will truly be missed. Sis. Copeland

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Our sympathy and condolences to the family of Herman Cain. He was truly a giant in this country with his conservative views. His faith was his guiding force. He will be missed by all his listeners and viewers.

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To the family of Mr. Herman Cain: I pause at this moment to give God thanks for creating Herman Cain in HIS beautiful image! While I never had the privilege of meeting him in this life, I look forward to meeting him in the eternal life, which lies ahead of me because of Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing him with the world, for his legacy will live on, and we will be forever blessed because of Herman Cain's love of people and his investment in every life he touched. May God bless you and keep you - especially in the days ahead. In Christ, Joanie Ballard

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My heartfelt sympathy for the Cain family!

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I voted you in the primary sir. I gave money to your campaign and never gave money to any other campaign before or since. I believed in you. I still do Mr. Cain. You are an inspiration to me and represent the best of America. God bless you sir for reaching out and touching so many...

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Herman Cain is loved and will be greatly missed. What a great American that made indelible marks in this world. Rest in heaven, dear Herman.

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I will miss The Hermanator's wisdom! He was such an inspiration! RIP Herman Cain

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I will miss your views on the radio and facebook. May the Lord comfort your family and all your friends. Faye

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You have my deepest sympathy! ( Margaret Woodard JacksonL.J. Price High School-class of 64)

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Awe.....shucky ducky.... my heart is broken! I am in disbelief that he's gone! Loved listening to Herman on WSB and loved his humor! He would of made an excellent President! Prayers for his loved ones! RIP Mr Cain! Georgia just lost a treasure! BVN

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I loved listening to Mr Cain on the radio. His perspective was spot on for me. He would have had my vote for president. I cried when I heard he had passed. My prayers were with him and his family during his illness and continue now. Thank you, Herman Cain! Anna deBlanc Jackson, Ga

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Mr. Cain, thank you so much for stopping for a picture with me at an event in Nashville, 2012. I was the only one and, I admit, I stopped you and begged for a pic. God bless you and keep you. Love, Lynne Simmons, Ashland City, TN.

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WE IS MISSED AND WILL BE GREATLY REMEMBERED SYMPATHY TO ALL OF THE FAMILY DAVID AND BECKY SHIFLETT

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Prayers go out to your family. Mr Cain was a wonderful American. Whenever I heard him talk I could feel his love for God and this country. We have lost a special soul.

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Herman's maternal grandmother was my father's sister and so family you have my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers in the loss of your husband, father and loved ones. Please know that God understands your longing, your deepest grief He shares, so let Him bear your burden, He understands and cares. My love to each of you in Jesus name.

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I wish I had known Mr Cain....he was a very interesting man and I loved his sunny smile and laugh!

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Herman Cain has been an inspiration to us all at KoopaTV, who have looked at Herman Cain as a father figure and a source of joy. We'll always remember him!

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My husband and I got to shake hands with Herman Cain at his candidate rally held at Jim Miller Park in Marietta, GA. You could not find a person who loved this country more than Mr. Cain or who should have been our President. A true American patriot, Mr. Cain was so inspirational, had great ideas how to bring our country to be what it should be including his 9-9-9 plan and everyone at the rally was captivated by him, his smile and charisma. What a brilliant man! I loved his radio show and would tune in as often as I could. He used to say "awwwww....shucky ducky" and it would make me laugh! I am so hurt by his passing as you do not find many like him and we need him now more than ever. My heart sincerely breaks for his wife and family. Bless you all at this time, Cain family. Janet G, Marietta, GA

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To my Family: I was very proud to know that Herman Cain was my cousin. He was an inspiration to our youth in letting them know that it is possible to achieve your goals even in the midst of great adversity. I pray that God will comfort my cousins, Gloria, Melanie and Vincent and their families during this difficult time. Nancy Hoke

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The Best President We Never Had. We met Herman during the birth of the TEA Party and found him to be an amazing leader and a good friend. The nation is poorer for his passing. Our deepest sympathies and warmest regards to Gloria and the family. -Mike & Mar-Mar Rogers, New Hampshire.

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Mr. Cain was such an inspiration and I learned so much from him. I'm going to really miss him. Sincere condolences to the family. RIP Mr. Cain -Sherrie Turner

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I was very saddened to hear of Herman Cain's passing. I only met him one time, back in 2011, but I was so impressed with how warm and gracious and genuine he was to me and everyone else at the event he hosted. May God give his family comfort and fond memories in this difficult time. May he RIP with the Lord.

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Our family send our sincere condolences to Gloria and children, We grieve for such and intelligent man.your family,Pattrick Thompson& Family. Gloria and Family we send our sincerest condolences, we too are grieving such an intelligent man, Your Family,Pattrick Thompson & Family!!!

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With love and appreciation Herman. You brought such warmth and wisdom to the world. May God bless your family and your many, many friends during this time. No doubt heaven is filled with your amazing voice sir. 'Til we meet again! L. Martin

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My deepest condolences to the entire Cain family. Mr. Cain was a great American who inspired his followers and made all of us want to be better people. He will be deeply missed by many.

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I was raised to not idolize men, but Herman made that hard to do, RIP. Ken Holland Brooks Ga

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Herman Cain was a truly inspiring individual. He will be sorely missed. RIP

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I have admired this man for many years. A true patriot and hero for American values. Wish with all my heart he could have been America's first black president. I truly believe if he had our country would have been in a much better place. A true man of God my you rest in his arms. You will be missed by all conservative America.

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My condolences to the family and rest in peace Mr.Cain. Terrell Barnes Forest Park,GS

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Mr. Cain, you were an inspiration for all people regardless of race or gender. You were a wonderful role model for young people, for you demonstrated to them how they can accomplish anything with dedication, diligence, and hard work. Life without you be definitely be very different. You are one who will be greatly missed. Prayers for your family. Glenice Graves, Hampton, GA

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CONDOLENCES TO THE CAIN FAMILY. REST PEACEFULLY MY FRIEND.

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Prayers for peace to bring comfort, courage,to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

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My heart is heavy. I found Mr Cain on the radio here in Jacksonville. He was my conversion to the Republican Party. Herman Cain was a friend I never met. May God hold him in the palm of His hand. Rest In Peace dear friend..

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I would like to express my sincere condolences to Gloria, Melanie, Vincent and the entire Cain Family. I will remember Rev. Cain as a friendly and kind person who always greeted me with a wonderful smile. He often complimented me on my singing as I would remind him how I enjoyed hearing his beautiful singing voice as well. He was a strong and active member of our church, Antioch Baptist Church North and we loved him. Rev. Cain will certainly be missed. I pray comfort, love, strength, and understanding for the Cain family, the Antioch church family and friends. Marsha McCracken Antioch Baptist Church North

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My husband and I listened to Mr. Cain's radio show for years. We were there with our two young boys when he announced his candidacy at Centennial Olympic Park. We were there again when he announced that he was suspending his campaign at his Atlanta HQ. We voted for him. We respected him. We truly appreciated all that he did - and tried to do - for this country. May he rest in peace. Elizabeth in Atlanta

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Prayers of comfort for you during this difficult time Deborah Thompson Harris

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Will miss his strong conservative voice spoken with humor and compassion. Test in the previous arms of your Saviour. We will miss you brother!

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Mr. Herman Cain Stepped Out and Reached High. Created Pathways and Opened Doors. The song "Peace Be Still" will always be his song as his baritone voice carried the message of God on a Sunday morning at the Antioch Baptist Church North. May the healing Power of Beautiful Memories sustain his family and friends. E. McClain

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My favorite memory of Herman is him always forgetting my name, so I busted on him about, really bad and he never forgot it again. It turned into a big joke we shared and even when I wasn't around, he would bring it up to Maurice. And they would have a good laugh. You will be missed sir, by so very many people. My heart and prayers go out to his whole family. Until the day we see each again. Teresa Atkinson

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My heart is absolutely broken. Herman was an absolute jewel of a human being. He treated people with dignity, respect and kindness. Thank you for making my life a whole lot more memorable. Our family is praying for Gloria and the entire family.

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Im from ATLANTA and Mr. Cain helped to changed my thinking. You will be missed and but never forgotten. - Art

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To the Family: My thoughts and prayer are with you. May God continue to bless your family. Mr. Cain was a giant in politics and business community. God Is.

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Prayers for the family of Herman Cain. A truly great American in every sense of the word. He put AMERICA first.

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My family and I prayers are with you Sis. Gloria, the Hermanator was an inspiration to me and I will surely miss him. Rev. Richards

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA