Bernard A. Harris

Mr. Bernard A. Harris, affectionately known as "Sheik" departed this life on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va.

He was the second of six children born to the late Harold and Robinetta Harris on March 17, 1927, in Varina, Va. Bernard received his early education in Henrico County Public Schools and at the age of 15, he enlisted in the Navy. During World War II, he went beyond his call of duty crewing anti-aircraft guns. This earned him seven Battle Stars for his Campaign Ribbons, two for European battles and five in the Pacific. Bernard was born into segregation, participated in the civil rights movement and lived to see the "Change" of our first black president.

Bernard met and married the love of his life, Constance B. Hockaday of Richmond, Va.. From this union, seven children were born. Finally settling in Amityville, N.Y., in 1966, he was a loving and caring husband and father. He enjoyed jazz, carpentry, fishing and gardening but his passion was cooking. Bernard retired from Northrop Grumman after 20 years of service. Five years later, the couple located to Petersburg, Va. He joined Zion Baptist Church in 1994, serving on the Board of Trustees.

He was preceded in death by his son, Harold Harris; two brothers, Harold and Edward Harris; and one grandson, Leroy McFadden.

In addition to his wife, Sheik leaves to cherish his loving memory his children, Yvonne Maker of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jacqueline Tutt (Rudy) of Richmond, Va., Shelia Vann (Christopher) of N. Babylon, N.Y., Ronald Harris of Amilyville, N.Y., Sidney Harris of Petersburg, Va., Diane Williams (Donald) and Brenda Williams of Beachwood, Ohio, Carl Harris of Detroit, Mich., and Charles Harris of Yonkers, N.Y.; one brother, Hilton Harris of Richmond, Va.; two sisters, Lois Hardy of Petersburg, Va., and Shirley Hite of Richmond, Va.; 29 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, Va., with the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. White Sr., pastor, officiating. The interment to follow at Amelia Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends at 1908 Berkley Avenue, Petersburg, Va., and may be contacted by calling (804) 733-3170.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Harris online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.