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, Aunt Bessie Randall, 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.

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In lieu of flowers,

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Please mail donations to:

Cain Scholarship Fund

C/o Antioch Baptist Church North

540 Cameron M Alexander Blvd NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

 

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