Ray Charles Harris

Ray Charles Harris, the second child and first son from the union of the late Nolan Harris, Jr. and Neomie Harris, was born on January 14, 1954 in Houston, Texas. He lived in the Shepard Garden Community until they moved to Acres Homes in the early 1960s.

Ray accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church. During his tenure at Palestine, Dr. I.V Hilliard became the Pastor and Ray continued under his leadership and the leadership of New Light Church until his demise. Because of his strong Christian convictions, he was able to lead other family members to New Light Church.

In spring of 1972, Ray graduated from George Washington Carver High School. Upon his graduation, Ray acquired a patrimonial legacy of knowledge about carpentry, auto mechanics, business and perpetual work ethics. He attended Bishop College in Dallas, Texas and the Institute of Technology where he was groomed for computer and electronics careers. His professions entailed entrepreneurial endeavors in trucking and carpentry businesses, and later employment with Continental (now United) Airlines.

Ray’s life was blessed with two children Ray Charles Harris, II and Shirrae Paige Harris. On September 21, 1996, Ray married the eternally, adored and true love of his life, Mrs. Rhonda Harris.

Ray loved traveling with Rhonda, family gatherings, conversations about life and family, and the gifts that God shared with us through herbs.Left in God’s hand and to cherish his memory are his lovely wife Rhonda, children: Ray Charles Harris, II and Shirrae Paige Harris, Tamara Kargbo, Sterling Jones, Sly Jones, Rebecca Rager, Kyle Rager, Vanessa Hollywood, Amber Bui, siblings: Joyce Ann Coleman, Barbara Ann Smith (Brian), Annie Lee Harris, Michael Saul Harris, Carolyn Cookes, Jocelyn Muckes (Wendell), Joyce Davis (Earl) sister-in-law, Ethel M Hicks, and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was ushered into an eternal presence with Jesus, by his parents: Neomie and Nolan Harris, Jr., brothers: Felix Love, Johnny Love, Jr., Willie Edmond, Jr., Nelson Walker, Jr., sister: Bernice Gaddis, brother-in-law: Bobby Coleman.