Harry Lewis Harris

Deacon Harry Lewis Harris

Deacon Harry Lewis Harris "Pa Pa" was the oldest of four children, born on December 12, 1916, in Cuckoo, Virginia, to the late Lewis and Mary Cosby Harris. His three brothers, Fred, Johnnie, and Walter preceded him in death.

His early education was obtained in Louisa County. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he served faithfully and received numerous awards. After his departure from the military, Harry then worked for Henrico County Highway Department for 28 years and then he retired from Louisa County Public Schools where he worked as a custodian.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Dorothy Ophelia Cosby for 63 years.

After many years of beating all odds of illness, God called him home for sweet rest on Sunday, October 18, 2009.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, a loving and devoted wife, Dorothy C. Harris; a cherished and loving daughter, Evangelist Gloria Yates; five grandchildren, Elder Cordell Yates and Devin of Ashburn, Virginia; Shonda Harris-Muhammed and Demetrius of Richmond, Virginia; Shelia Phillips and Tory of Chesterfield, Virginia; William Coleman and Denise of Chesapeake, Virginia; Clifford Ruffin and Cynthia of Alexandria, Virginia; nine great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew; a devoted Goddaughter, Mariama Bamfield; and a host of relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2009, at the Thomasson Watson Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 864 Pendleton Road, Mineral, Virginia 23117, with Evangelist Gloria H. Yates officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Military and Masonic honors will be accorded.

Thomasson Watson Funeral Service Inc. of Louisa is handling the arrangements.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.ddwatsonmortician.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.