Mr. Golden Harris Jr.

Golden Harris Jr. was born October 29, 1934 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Golden Harris Sr. and Ruthie Mae (McCoy) Harris. He was the first born to his mother Ruthie Mae and some minutes later, his identical twin brother Holden arrived. He was the oldest of 10 children and was very proud and protective of all of them.

As a young man, Golden met the love of his life, Yvonne “Bonnie” McBride. On October 9, 1955 and with the blessing of their parents, Golden and Bonnie married. Golden and Bonnie had 4 children as a result of their union, Renee, Kirk Lonnie and Cheryl. They settled in Benton Harbor, Michigan to raise their family and over the years, Golden often expressed his pride in all of his children. There was never any question about his love for his family. Golden and Bonnie’s marital union lasted until February of 2017 when his beloved Bonnie passed away.

Golden took much pleasure in singing gospel and would often sing in gospel quartets. Over the years he would share the stage with his twin brother Holden singing right beside him most notably as members of the Homeland Singers. He participated in various bowling leagues and Golden Gloves boxing as well. For many years, he was the President of the Booster Club at Benton Harbor High School. When his sons were just boys, Golden would coach for their Little League baseball teams.

Golden was an electrician by trade and worked for Gast Manufacturing in Benton Harbor, Michigan in their Maintenance department for 37 years. Once he retired, he and Bonnie relocated to Texas so that he could be near his twin brother Holden as well as his youngest daughter Cheryl and her family.

Golden was introduced to and obeyed the gospel as a young man and remained a faithful Christian. He served as the Associate Minister of the North Westnedge Church of Christ in Kalamazoo, Michigan for many years. He also served as an Elder of that same congregation. Golden loved sharing the teachings of the bible and believed nothing is impossible or too big for God. He was truly a man of faith. Golden shared a special bond with his Godson in the gospel, Oscar Middlebrook who also became a minister of the gospel and lovingly referred to Golden as “Pops”.

Golden is survived by his 3 children, Kirk (Arleen) of Corona, CA and Lonnie Harris of Duluth, GA and Cheryl Murphy (Kyle) of Arlington, TX; his grandchildren, Tara Jarrett (Daniel), Jamil Harris, Asa Murphy (April), Nyla and Zoe Harris and his great-grandchildren, Raquel and Harper Jarrett and Syair Harris. Also his siblings, Ruby Wiley, VernaDean Adams, Vernell McFarland, Leslie Harding, Captola McFarland, Lorita McFarland and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Golden was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne “Bonnie” Harris and daughter Renee Harris; his parents Golden Harris Sr., Ruthie Mae (McCoy) McFarland and stepfather John L McFarland Sr., and his siblings, Holden Harris Sr., Clementine Stoutmiles and John L. McFarland Jr.

Golden slipped away from this time side of life on October 6, 2026.