Samuel Lancelot Harris, Sr.

Samuel Lancelot Harris, Sr. was born April 16, 1959 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Phyllis Harris Black Smith and Eugene Harris, Sr. Sam was the seventh child out of ten, Yulanda McDonald, Eugene Harris, Sheila Harris, Diana Harris, Bonita Eubank, Clyde Harris, Adonna White, Adrian Harris-Jones and Letha Hurt.

He professed christ at an early age and was baptized at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Sam affectionately known as Sammy, that his family called him, loved to play basketball. He grew up playing in the Lockfield Gardens, 10th Street Park and The Watkins Community Center. He would often compete in multiple basketball camps and was nicknamed "JazzY" on the courts. He played for Crispus Attucks High School and graduated in 1977. He attended Jarvis Christian College on a basketball scholarship. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration. He met and married Gwendolyn Harris, his former spouse and they had three children, Samuel (Lance) Harris II, Brandon Harris and Briana Harris.

Sam started working for Kroger in 1982 as a co-manager for fifteen years. He then began working as a Life Insurance Agent at American General Insurance for over twenty years. After that time, he began working for Farmers Insurance for many years. He loved and had a passion for his work. Sam was a member of Friendship West Baptist Church, where he was also baptized.

Sam, beloved father, grandfather, son, brother and friend was compassionate, friendly and confident. He made an impression the moment he walked into any room. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and his compassionate spirit touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impression.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Harris, Sr.; his mother, Phyllis Harris Black Smith and his brother, Eugene (Red) Harris.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three children, Samuel (Lance) Harris II, Brandon Harris and Briana Harris; five grandchildren, Jayden Harris, Jeremiah Harris, London Harris, Zoey Harris and Alana Castanon; his siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

As Sam would always say"The best of Samuel Lancelot Harris is yet to come."

His Legacy Will Live On.