Benjamin Harthon Harris

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Benjamin Harthon Harris, who left us on January 15, 2025, his 76th birthday. Born to the late Aaron Harris, Jr. and Velma Ruth Bolden Harris, Benjamin was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and dedication and an outstanding athlete.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Connie B. Bolden, and his brother, Jerome D. Harris. Benjamin’s life was a testament to love, service, and joy. For 42 wonderful years, he shared his life with his devoted wife, Olga Rhodes Harris. Together, they built a legacy of love and a family that brought him endless pride. Benjamin's memory lives on in his children: Marcus (Cathy) Watson of Ridgeland, MS; Carlos (Tamara) Watson of New Orleans, LA; Charlena Watson Berry, and Shelby (Krestofer) Wright, both of Mobile, AL. His grandchildren—Kendall Watson (Austin, TX), Harrison (Doressa) Watson (Trenton, NJ), Taylor Berry (McAllen, TX), Cameron Watson (Huntsville, AL), Christopher Watson (Daytona Beach, FL), Ian Watson, Parker Watson (New Orleans, LA), Benjamin Watson, Lauren Berry, Claire Berry, Sophie Wright, and Kingston Wright (all of Mobile, AL), and Great Granddaughter Aspen Watson (Trenton, NJ) — were his pride and joy.

Benjamin’s legacy also includes his Aunt Ruth B. Collins (Whistler, AL), his niece Erin Rhodes Doss (Mobile, AL), nephews Robert A. (Nicole) Rhodes (Atlanta, GA), George Rhodes (Indianapolis, IN), Daniel C. (Deneen) Rhodes (New Brunswick, NJ), Ernest Rhodes (Minneapolis, MN), and Mikhail Harris (Mobile, AL). His sisters, Pat Mitchell (Chicago, IL), Yvonne Williams (Mobile, AL), and Bonnie Mosley (William) Smith (Huntsville, AL), and brother-in-law Virgil (Judy) Rhodes, Jr. (Springfield, IL), and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends cherished his wisdom and humor.

In 1966, Benjamin graduated from Hillsdale High School, attended the University of South Alabama and graduated from Spring Hill College, where he represented the College as an Ambassador for the Division of Lifelong Learning. Benjamin proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force and later dedicated over 30 years to the United States Postal Service, where he worked as a Clerk and Postmaster. He was a steadfast community member, sharing his time and talents as a former member of the Sertoma Club, the United States Postal Service Union, and was a proud and active member of the Order of Mardi Gras Maskers, Inc. He also cherished his special fraternity, ROB, which brought him enduring friendships and glorious memories.

Benjamin’s life was one of purpose, laughter, and love. He had a knack for bringing people together, creating joy wherever he went, and always capturing memories with his love of photography. Whether through his devotion to family, service, or infectious spirit during Mardi Gras celebrations, he left an indelible mark on all who knew him. As we say goodbye to this extraordinary man, we find comfort in knowing his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. His legacy of love, kindness, and community is a gift we will carry forward.