Henry Emile Harris, Jr.

I have fought a good fight, and have finished my course, I have kept my faith. II Timothy 4:7

Capt. Henry E. Harris Jr., 86, of Orlando, FL., went to be with the Lord on December 4, 2012. He was born June 16th, 1926 in New Orleans La., to Henry Emile Harris Sr. & Wilder Mary Smith Harris. Capt. Harris served on USS Sea Cat; USS Sea Poacher; USS Fulton during his 38 years in the United States Navy. October 23rd 1963 became the first Afro American Naval Officer to qualify in submarines while aboard the USS Sea Poacher. He served 38 years in the United States Navy. He saw action in World War 2, Korean War, and Viet Nam. He was a U.S. Postal Service man for 20 years. And a graduate of McDonald 35 High School class of 1943. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy E Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct, and World War II Victory Medal. He was one of the founders of the Esquires of Kalamatis Social Club, member of Naval Reserve Association, member of Military Officers Association of America, Member of American Legion, and Member of United States Submarine Services Central Florida. He is preceded in death by both his parents; Henry Emile Harris Sr. & Wilder Mary Smith, his first wife; Shirley Francois Harris & his step daughter, Loys Brown. Survivors include his wife, Lucy (Jean) Gibson Harris; children, Wanda M. Harris; Denise Chandler; Kevin Harris; Mark Harris & Step Farther to George E. Brown Jr.; Cameron Brown; Ida Kleiner; sibling, Wilder Randolph; grandchildren, Richard Chandler II; Jennifer R. Harris; Jacquelyn R. Harris; Anthony Allen; Jordan Harris; Brandon Brown; Briana Kleiner; Tracy Brown; nieces, Diana Randolph and Dallin Randolph & by a host of other family members and friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 11 am at St. Luke’s Cathedral Church, 130 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL. 32801 with burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL., 34734. The family will be receiving friends Monday, December 10, 2012 from 5 to 8 pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donation to American Cancer Society or to the Disabled American Veterans in Capt. Henry E. Harris Jr. memory would be greatly appreciated by the family.