Raymond Conley Harris

Ray is survived by his wife, Brenda Harris; his sons, Keith (Nancy) Harris of Atlanta, GA, Bruce (Uki) Harris of Honolulu, HI, and Brad Holleman of Birmingham, AL; daughter, Allison (Shawn) Harris Phillips of Omaha, NE; and seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his mother, Voncile Parker Harris Thomas of Atlanta, GA; and his brothers, Bryan (JoAnn) Harris and Darren (Erica) Harris of Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Conley Harris, and his first wife, Barbara Hall Harris.

Ray was born on November 17, 1942, in Mobile, AL, to parents Thomas and Voncile Harris. He graduated from Auburn University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He also pursued graduate studies in Planning at the University of Alabama Birmingham. He became partner in the architectural firm Dampier-Harris and Associates from 1971 until 1987, when he became the principal architect and founder of his own firm, Harris and Associates, Architects.

Ray and Brenda were married on January 3, 1997, blending their two families of three sons and one daughter together.

Ray was a social, active man who loved travel and ballroom dancing, an interest that Brenda enthusiastically shared, and he enjoyed many other sports, particularly snow skiing and golf. He was deeply involved in community activities for the majority of his life. He was named the Vestavia Hills Citizen of the Year in 1991 and served as the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce president in 1995. He was also active in Rotary. He was a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church for more than 40 years. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America for over 10 years and served as the scoutmaster of VHUMC’s Troop 4 for over 7 of those years.

Ray always found joy in life, even throughout his recent health struggles.

A service to celebrate Ray’s life is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Friday, May 20, at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood, AL, with a reception to follow. Greg Newton of Disciples Fellowship will officiate.