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Rickie Harris Obituary
He was born on Jan. 4, 1989, in Norton, to Rickie D. Harris and Willie Mae Price Harris. Although his assignment on earth was completed by the age of 17, Rickie left behind a legacy of achievements and accomplishments.
Academically, Rickie was enrolled at both John I. Burton High School and Mountain Empire Community College. He received several awards for his outstanding achievements; some of which included Principal's Honor Roll, History Award, French Award and the African-American History Award. Rickie also found time to participate in several clubs at John I. Burton like the BETA Club and was in the marching band for five years.
Rickie was also well-known for his achievements in sports. He played both junior varsity and varsity football at John I. Burton. Some of his accolades on the field include 2005 All Lonesome Pine District; 2005 Football All Region D; 2005 All District Football; and 2005 All-State Defensive End. Rickie was also a member of the Track and Field team.
One of Rickie's proudest moments was when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized and became a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Norton.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charlie and Alice Harris, and his maternal grandparents, Clemn Martin and Willie Mae Price.
Rickie is survived by his father, Rickie D. Harris; his mother, Willie Mae Price Harris; his sister, Whitney C. Harris, all of Norton; and is further survived by several uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.
Homegoing services to celebrate the life of Rickie M. Harris will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2006, at the John I. Burton High School gymnasium, with burial to follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the John I. Burton Gymnasium on Wednesday from 11 a.m. till time of services at 1 p.m. The family would like to encourage those in attendance to wear the John I. Burton school colors of orange and black to celebrate Rickie's school pride.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Rickie M. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o John I. Burton High School, 109 11th St., Norton, VA 24273.
Sturgill Funeral Homes, 1621 Norton Road, SW, Wise, VA 24293, is in charge of arrangements.
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Valerie Fugate
September 12, 2006
Dear family of Rickie,
I am very sorry for the loss of your son Rickie. Once my Dad called and told me what had happened I stayed in touch with him so I could keep up with his progress. Everything that I have heard and read about him tells me he was a very special person in your lives. Although he will no longer be with you in the flesh spiritually he will be with you each and every day watching over what you say and do. The Lord chose a wonderful person to call home and he has special plans for him in Heaven. Rickie now walks along the golden roads of Heaven. He is basking in the Glory of God and is now a part of God's ultimate team. Your hearts will be strickened for awhile and your faith in the Lord will bring you to see him again one day. Rejoice in the Lord for all he does because he does it for a reason that we dare not question. My heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers.
Love you guys,
Valerie (Cansler) Fugate
Roy Keith
August 28, 2006
I just heard about your lost. It broke my heart to hear the bad news. I didn't know him or the family but still yet it is bad. My prayers go out to the family of Ricky. God has a special place for us up there in Heaven and I know Ricky will make a great angel because I know he was an angel to his family.My sympathy goes out to you all and you have my prayeres.I know he will be missed. I work with the Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew as an EMT-B and I enjoy helping people. An auto accident is something I hate working because someone always gets hurt of even worse. I love my job but also love the people I help.
Cody Lee
August 27, 2006
This is very sad to hear about. I went to the UVA-Wise football camp with rickie 2 years in a row. He was a very nice and funny guy. Im in a loss of words.
Karla Helbert
August 25, 2006
Dear Willie and the Harris family,
I am so sorry for your devastating loss. As another bereaved mother, I understand the particular kind of pain the loss of your beloved child brings. Rickie was an amazing young man. I wish I could have met him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
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mark neeley
August 18, 2006
Billie Ann- Don't you worry about a thing. Gods watching over him right now until you come home. I love you and your constantly in my prayers. You'll see him again. I know thats in Gods plan.
Priscilla Reece
August 17, 2006
Rick was a friend of mine - I love that boy He made me laugh even when I was having a hard time- He is very missed and loved!
The Harris Family is in my prayers*
Mister FOOOOORE
August 16, 2006
You know I love you all. I just got off the phone with a good friend of mine and I discussed a few of my favorite memories of Rickie. I'm gonna give you a couple of them here.
The best one is whenever I'd see him, no matter where it was or when it was, he'd flex and stand on his tip-toes and say, I'm catchin up to you Mister FOOOOOORE, and then he would do his tough-guy laugh.
Then when the cute nurse came into his room, we were giving Rickie a hard time about puffing up for her. It definitely looked like he was flexing for her after she walked in. As we were ribbing him, I know I saw a smile on that boy's face, I know I did. That smile is what has carried me these past few days.
BA- I did wear orange and black today, even though you don't believe me. I owe you so much in my life, from going to UT, to getting back into school, to getting the job of a lifetime. You are so giving to others, and that is in Rickie, too.
If you ever doubt the number of lives he touched, you go talk to the kids who met him the one day he went to GC with me. You ask me how many of those kids called me since, and you'll know, you know how much he was admired and loved.
Kala Tipton
August 16, 2006
To Willie & the Harris Family,
I'm basically gonna say that You all are in my prayers and i'm sure a lot of people have told you this. I want to say that God has a purpose for everything he does! He's my stronghold and everlasting arm. I really encourage you all to lean on that because it helps me more than anything. If you're wondering how i know Rickie i met him whenever he came to Gate City one day and spent the day with Mr. Fore. And one day unexpectedly he called me, and he would randomly call me all the time. He always put a smile on my face and i'm sure that he put one on everybody's face when they saw rickie! Just remember a verse in the bible that says that God will not put more on you than you're able to bare! Just remember that! I love you all very much and most of all God Loves you! May God keep you & bless your lives!
-Kala Tipton
c hall
August 16, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family on your recent loss. May God's Love Strengthen you.
Evangelist Andre`a Robinson Crawford
August 16, 2006
Rickie and family,
My prayers are with you. Although I do not know the pain of losing a child, I do know the pain of losing a loved one. What ever you do, remember that God will not put more on you than you can bare. He Never makes a mistake. He took Ricke Maurice because he was ready. Be comforted in knowning that you raised him and taught him well.
Love,
August 15, 2006
Dear Rick, Willie Mae and Whitney,
Our thoughts and prayers with each of you during this difficult time.
With much love,
Dawn and Franklin
Johnson City, TN
Judith Mavrakes
August 15, 2006
Your friends and MetLife family are thinking about you all - every day. May God be with you, as he is with Rickie today, in a place of peace and 100% whole.
May God Bless you. And be with you in the days ahead.
With sympathy,
Judy Mavrakes
Kimberly Marshall
August 15, 2006
Our deepest sympathies are extended to both the Harris and Price families for this great loss that they've suffered. Rickie was a fine young man, one that I and members of my family have had the pleasure of watching play football and basketball throughout the years. This small, close-knit community and school has suffered a tremendous loss, but it fails in comparison to loss and the grieve that his loved ones will experience for the years to come. May your faith sustain you; may God's love bring you strength and peace.
Montie, Kim, Bryson (Burton Class of '09)and Katie Marshall
Jean Hall
August 14, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are only a phone call away at anytime of day or night.
Laurence, Jean, Rashida,and Leonce Hall
Harold "Jay" Johnson
August 14, 2006
My prayers go out to you Billie and the family. I know Rickie is in a good place and is watching over us. God bless you.
Jay
Pastor & Mrs W. Rayburn Leeper
August 14, 2006
We wish you GOD's comfort through your priceless memories of this exceptional young man.
Pastor & Mrs. W. R. Leeper
Beech Hill Baptist Church
Pennington Gap, VA 24277
Deven Miller
August 14, 2006
He was a good friend of mine, and he will be missed by everyone.
Gary & Tina Rose
August 14, 2006
Words alone can never adequately express the depth of sorrow which we feel when a loved one is suddenly taken from us. But we take comfort from the God of all comfort, who Himself is described as a "Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". Take comfort in Him and the assurance of the Resurrection! With deepest sympathy and our love!
Cheri Neeley
August 14, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jim Flanary
August 14, 2006
May God be your strength during your loss and comfort you for many days to come. God Bless Rick. You are in my prayers.
Kathy Baker
August 14, 2006
I got to know Rickie at Norton Elementary School where I teach the 4th grade. My fondest memory of him will ALWAYS be this: every morning at the beginning of the school day, 5th and 6th grade kids would be picked to give a report of the weather. Most of the kids, bless their hearts, would stumble through their speeches or mumble so low and talk so fast you had a hard time hearing them. But not Ricky. That child would get on the intercom and just BLAST his energy right out at you!!!! Instead of simply reading his report he would put his own unique, self-confident spin on it!! He always made me laugh out loud. He was a wonderful kid! Billie, I am praying for you, Whitney and the entire family. God Bless you.
Bob & Vicki Viers
August 14, 2006
Our family wants to extend our sincere sympathies to you during this difficult time. From reading about Ricky, it was obvious that he was a wonderful young man. We lost our son, Grae, on 4/15/06 in a auto accident. Grae would have been 17 in July. We are so sorry that your family has suffered this loss.
Larry and Terry Wallace
August 14, 2006
Willie, Whitney and the Harris Family we would like to offer our deepest condolences to all of you. " FOR THE LORD DOES NOT ABANDON ANYONE FOREVER. THROUGH HE BRINGS GRIEF, HE ALSO SHOWS COMPASSION ACCORDING TO THE GREATNESS OF HIS UNFAILING LOVE"
Kathy Holmes
August 14, 2006
I can only imagine the pain in your hearts at this time. It is such a loss to the entire world to lose such a fine young man. Who knows how much he would have contributed to society? But Praise God, he is in Heaven with the Lord and Jesus and I hope that is a comfort to you during this indescribable time of loss. My prayers are with you...
Otis & Gertrude Cooley
August 14, 2006
So very sorry to learn of your loss. You all have our sincere condolences
Jeri Bledsoe
August 14, 2006
Willie, my love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. May God bless and comfort you.
Suzie Cradic
August 14, 2006
Willie and family: I am praying for you all.
Traci Wolfe
August 14, 2006
Harris Family, I just finished reading the story of your beloved son, how proud of him you must be he accomplished so much to have been so young, I have a 15 year old son and I have shared Rickie's story with him, he also plays football. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that he is in good hands with our precious Lord Jesus Christ, and will be watching over you now. I don't know your family but I was very touched by the story and would have been honored to have known Rickie. God Bless.
Mack&Linda Wells Jackson
August 14, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Holly H
August 14, 2006
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
Sandy Coeburn
August 14, 2006
My deepest sympathies to the family. I knew Willie through her work at MECC. May God give you peace.
Rhonda Woolfolk
August 14, 2006
God be with the family of Rickie Harris. It's so sad to see Rickie die at the age of 17th. He didn't get to experience the good life that was waiting for him. God Bless The Harris Family.
ANTHONY BEATTY
August 14, 2006
WITH LOVE AND SINCERELY SYMPATHY, MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF NEED.LOVE ANTHONY, KELLY, ISAIAH, & TATYANNA BEATTY
Doug & Jill Mullins
August 14, 2006
May God keep you in this time of unbearable loss. Psalm 119:28 reads, "My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto Thy Word." We grieve with you, and pray that the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comforts you.
Diane Morgan
August 14, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jeff &Kim Bays
August 14, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Brittani, Tanner
August 14, 2006
Rickie was a good friend to both Tanner and I. We will miss him and keep him in our hearts.
HAROLD ARMSEY
August 14, 2006
Sometime we don't understand things that happen in our life but God is with us. Our prayers are with you all at your time of need.
Carolyn Smith
August 14, 2006
Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth...You know all things...and yet your love for us is great...you are our comforter and healer...and I thank you for being all that and more to Billie Ann and the family...Love you much...Pastor Carolyn Smith
August 14, 2006
Billie Ann & Family - please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Rev. Sandra Jones
Gloria Clark
August 14, 2006
My prayers and thoughts of comfort are extended to you and your family during this time of sorrow. Please call on me if you need anything. May God continue to bless and keep you in his care.
Mike Crowder
August 14, 2006
From the Sullivan Central High School Athletic Booster Club in Blountville, TN: Our greatest sympathies are with your family in this unimaginable time of loss. Many members of our Booster Club are Praying for your Family.
Rodney Thacker
August 14, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steven Hensley
August 14, 2006
It's so sad the old saying comes true again. "The good die young"
LuAnn Walker
August 14, 2006
Our deepest condolences to the Harris family and the student body of John I. Burton. God Bless during a most difficult time. My husband David Walker graduated from Burton and also substitued there for a while.
Betty Hawthorne
August 14, 2006
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. I never met Ricky, but he was a son, just as Jesus was. I'm sure Jesus arms are wrapped tightly around him. God comfort you all.This young man set about his fathers business and in 17 years accomplished more than some do in a lifetime. God Be with you. Another mother
Jeff n wendy lamb
August 14, 2006
I am so terribly sorry for your great lost. I know there is nothing worse than losing your child too. God gave him to you for a lil while to take care of him and teach him things on earth he didnt know then he called him back into his loving arms. Ihope that with time your pain will ease but know this one day you too shall see him again
MJ Burgg
August 14, 2006
Please accept my condolences , and remember that God always picks the prettiest flowers from His garden to take into His House. God Bless all.
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