Raymond W. Harris

Mr. Raymond Wilson Harris, 84, of 25513 Surry Ave. (West Petersburg), Petersburg, Va., born on Dec. 23, 1924, was called to glory on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Chippenham Medical Center, Richmond, VA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Harris; daughter, Wanda Wilma Harris; and father-in-law, Mr. Arthur "Sweetcakes" Hall.

Raymond accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of West Petersburg. He retired from the United States Army. After serving in the Army he worked at Fort Lee, Va., until he retired. Raymond was a member of Club 17 for many years.

Raymond leaves behind to cherish his memory, a loving daughter, Maude Swanson of New York City; 11 grandchildren, Larry T. Tucker (Kimberly Claiborne) and Raphael R. Tucker of Virginia, Andrew Swanson Jr., Kyle Swanson, Cory Swanson and Raymond Swanson, all of Boston, Joseph Price of New Jersey, Teresa Rice and Michelle Wynn, both of Petersburg, Va., Moniaya Miller Floyd and Janice Miller, both of New York; 18 great-grandchildren, Raphael K. Tucker and Khalil A. Green; a mother-in-law, Maude H. "Mrs. Sweetcakes" Hall; the Grandison and Price family of West Petersburg; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, at the chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Peter R. Jeffery, pastor of First Baptist Church (West Petersburg), Petersburg, Va., officiating. Interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

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.