Carl G. Harris Jr.

Carl G. Harris Jr. obituary, Hampton, VA

Carl G. Harris Jr.

Carl Harris Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 26, 2013.
HAMPTON - Carl G. Harris, Jr., 78, was born in Fayette, Missouri. He was the first born of three children to Carl G. Harris, Sr. and Frances Margaret Harris. Carl was a student at Philander Smith College where he graduated Cum Laude in 1952. From there he took steps to shape his lifelong musical career. He received his master's degree in Music History and Piano at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Carl was a trailblazer at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. When he received his doctorate in 1972, he became the first African American to receive the terminal degree in music from that institution. In 1982, Dr. Carl Harris was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Achievement Award from his alma mater. Carl was a Commonwealth Professor with tenures at Virginia State University, Norfolk State University and most recently at Hampton University. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Bonnie J. Lane; nephew, Ramon Kneeland (Emily) all of Hampton, Virginia; half brother, Mario Harris of St. Joseph, Missouri; a host of cousins, friends, many students and associates of the music community. A funeral service will be held 11:30a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2013 at First Baptist Church, Hampton. Interment will follow in the Hampton University Cemetery. Viewing will be from 9:30a.m. until the hour of the service at the church on Thursday. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

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June 22, 2021

Lenora Wesley posted to the memorial.

June 21, 2021

rev. michael von norfleet posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2021

Reverend Michael A. von Norfleet posted to the memorial.

Lenora Wesley

June 22, 2021

I still think of Dr. Harris a few times or more every month, he had that much impact on my life as a light, in the world. He was nurturing and supportive, generous and reliable. I loved him and felt loved by him. For certain, I am not the only student who felt this way. He was a professor whom you could call for a reference, or advice years, long after the paid relationship ended. He was Somebody! In many ways he enriched and informed my life. I miss him, I will never forget him.

rev. michael von norfleet

June 21, 2021

I miss you very much Dr. Harris, your smile,compassion, and kindness

Reverend Michael A. von Norfleet

May 5, 2021

I miss this great educator and great friend

Lenora Wesley

June 20, 2019

Dr. Carl Harris was a kindly, well-groomed, well-mannered , gentleman. He went out of his way to be gracious and helpful.

Lawrence Urquhart

July 26, 2013

Dr. Carl G Harris was an awesome teacher, adviser, and friend. He is truly missed.

Frank Robinson

July 11, 2013

A beautiful man,from a beautiful family. We all grew up in St.Joseph,Missouri. You will be missed Carl. Rest in peace.

Brenda Dabney Nichols

June 29, 2013

Dr. Harris was my graduate advisor and as a voice major, he agreed to be the accompanist for my graduate recital at VSU. We met later at ABCOTS(American Baptist Churches of The South-ABC)Green Lake South-Blackstone,VA where he was the Organist & Choir Director. He was a professor, mentor and later a dear, dear friend. I shall never, ever forget all that He did to help and encourage me. He was a true icon and musicologist who contributions shall never be forgotten. We would meet some more, chat and peruse the music at the Hampton Music Conferences. My sincere sympathy and prayers to the family. Hold his memories close to you, talk about often, I shall do the same.His spiritual; Guide My Feet, was a favorite of mine.
love,

Herman & Cicilyn Davis

June 28, 2013

June 28,2013
To the family: Our hearts are sadden to hear of the passing of Dr. Carl Harris, Professor Music at Hampton. We first met Dr. Harris when he was the Director of Music and Organist at Centennial United Methodist Church, in Kansas City, MO. He truly worked to get the best out of his participants. For years in December he worked hard to put on a top performance of Handel's Messiah. May God continuue to bless and keep his family. The Davis' Herman and Cicilyn Kansas City, MO 64129
































June 28 2013
Our sincere Heartfelt concerns is extended to this family during this hour. May God continue to lead and guide you throughout your days. We met Dr. Harris a many years ago, when he was the organist at Centennial United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. He brought beautiful music to beautiful church them and I am sure he did the same in the Tidewater area. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Davis, Jr. Kansas City, MO 64129

Annette and Keith Parham

June 28, 2013

To the family of Dr. Carl Harris - May the Peace of God comfort you in your sorrow now and in the days ahead. Dr. Harris played for our wedding at Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg Virginia in 1975. He was the Organist at Gillfield during that time and my husband and I sang in the choir. His talent and skill brought Joy to the soul. He is a part of a core of musicians that is hard to find anymore. We are grateful to God to have known him. His humble and kind spirit will be remembered always.

Lenora Wesley-Wood

June 28, 2013

Dr. Harris was to me, a well of wisdom and Agape love. He was at times "father", other times mentor and ever-evolving teacher. Thank you, his family, for sharing him with the rest of us. He lived a beautiful, Christian, generous life. I both loved and respected him, as my former teacher and friend.

modelle w. Lewis

June 27, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jean Yates Foster

June 27, 2013

To the Family of Dr. Carl G. Harris, Jr.
May you find peace and comfort in the magnificent legacy left behind by Dr. Harris. He was a remarkable musician and an incredible person who touched the lives of so many along his musical journey through this life. Dr. Harris helped me to rediscover my passion and was one of my most distinguished and beloved piano teachers. He taught me so much about music and life, and I am a better pianist and person because of him. He will never be forgotten. May God continue to grant you peace and comfort and help you to recall all the wonderful memories that Dr. Harris has created and left behind for all those who knew and loved him.

J Otis Harris, Jr.

June 27, 2013

To the Harris Family,
Words can not express what our musical family from VSU is feeling at this time but do know that Dr. Harris touched our lives in so many ways! A teacher, a professor, a mentor, a friend, a confidant and a world class musician! He was the best and he will be missed. May God's love surround you during this time but know that "Doc"(as we affectionately called him)is playing for the heavenly choir. With Love,

Deborah Walker Lindsey

June 26, 2013

In your time of sorrow, may there be comfort in knowing friends are there and they share in your sorrow.

Gregory McCallum

June 26, 2013

"Doc" was a very special human being, and an "awesome" musician. Thank you Dr. Harris for your patient demeanor, persistence, kind words, as well as the well placed kick in the rear when necessary. Doc, your VSU TROJAN family, like many others will miss you dearly. May the Lord's blessings be with the family at this time.

Kehembe V. Eichelberger

June 26, 2013

Dr. Harris was a brilliant, gifted and fun loving musician. He was always a magnificent support on the organ. I will cherish the fond memories of "Messiah" concerts. My prayers to his universal and natal families.

Ronald Johnson

June 26, 2013

To The Harris Family,
Words are lost at a time like this. Dr. Carl Harris was a unique musician and will be forever missed. I had heard the name since I was a little boy when he was at VA State. While I matriculated at Hampton, he headed the music department at Norfolk State and then, he came 'to our home by the sea' for the last 15 years. What a wonderful and remarkable journey. What a gifted and humbled soul. They just don't make them like 'Doc' any more. We are eternally grateful for the love and nurturing that he has shown and given to our son, Dean, for the last two years as his piano instructor at Hampton. We are assured that he is making heavenly music with the Lord as he now gets his just reward. What a splendid life!!! May God's richest blessings radiate upon the family and we all in the 'Fine Arts World' thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless You.

June 26, 2013

With sentiments of esteem, respect, gratitude and affection. A life well lived. May his soul rest in peace and light perpectual shine upon him.
Rev.Carlton C. Clarke,Falls Church,VA

Lelia Roane

June 26, 2013

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Harris family during this difficult time. Dr. Harris was a gifted musician and leader. I am so grateful that he touched my life as chairman of the music department during my matriculation at VA Sate University.

David Chambliss

June 26, 2013

I extend my deepest sympathy to the Harris family. Hold to God's hand for he will never leave you. I am so thankful for how Dr. Harris touched the hearts and minds of students and teachers at Virginia State University. Dr. Carl G. Harris, Jr. will never be forgotten.

June 26, 2013

Dr Carl Harris was one of the distinguished music professors and choir directors of Norfolk State University. His legacy will last forever. Thanks to the late Dr. Georgia Ryder for bringing him to NSU.

Charles W. Pleasants
Historian

Roxanna Reaves

June 26, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Harris . He was one of my most distinguished Music Professors . He will be sorely missed in the Music community. We have lost a giant , and I'm sure he's directing a choir in heaven. May God be with the Family.

Donovan Wells

June 26, 2013

May God's Blessings be with the Harris family during this difficult time. Dr. Harris was a great help and inspiration for me during graduate school at NSU, he always put his students first. Through prayer may the Harris family & friends find comfort.

Valerie Rasieleski

June 26, 2013

Sharing your sorrow in the loss of a great organist, one so dear, and sending my deepest sympathy to your family and to let you know I am near.

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

June 26, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Not sure what to say?

June 22, 2021

Lenora Wesley posted to the memorial.

June 21, 2021

rev. michael von norfleet posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2021

Reverend Michael A. von Norfleet posted to the memorial.