Francis "Bernard" Harris

The Wonderful Life of
Francis Bernard Harris, Sr.
Francis Bernard Harris, Sr., affectionately known as Bernard, transitioned from this
life to eternity on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the University of Maryland Easton
Hospital. Bernard was born on July 31, 1939, to the late Thomas Harris and Dorothy
Lindsey of Chestertown, MD. He attended Garnet Public Schools in Chestertown, MD,
where he graduated in 1957.
On May 6, 1961, Bernard married Shirley Ann Brown of Centreville, MD. They shared a
beautiful life together, raising three children and were married for 41 years until
Shirley's untimely passing in 2002. He met his special love and companion, Brenda
Stanley of Cambridge, MD and they shared many years together until his passing.
Bernard worked at Campbell Soup Company in Chestertown, MD, before moving on to
Kraft (General) Foods as a Crew Leader in Dover, DE, until his retirement in 2002. Post-
retirement, he pursued his passion for lawn care and worked as a Male Attendant for
the Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
Bernard was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed working around the
yard, riding on his lawnmowers and tractors; he had a knack for mechanics, often
doing his own vehicle maintenance and repairs. His love for music was evident as he
would often come home late from work, listening to his favorite songs on his
headphones, singing at the top of his lungs, waking up the entire house. Photography
was another passion of Bernard's. He loved capturing moments of his family and
friends using his extensive collection of photography equipment.
In his younger days, Bernard, known as the "Jazz Man," enjoyed talking on his CB
radio, listening to his police scanner, and attending outdoor parties with friends at the
Walley's. He was also an avid fisherman, spending time at the Cliff City pier or taking
his boat out on occasions. Bernard's love for adventure took him on cruise ships,
where he enjoyed exploring other countries, dining at various restaurants, and trying
his luck at the slots.
Bernard was a dedicated member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church for many
years, serving in various roles such as Board of Trustee, Treasurer, Usher, Maintenance Custodian, Grounds Keeper, and a member of the Souls of Faith, Chancellor, and Men's Choirs.
Bernard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley, his parents; Thomas and
Dorothy Harris; his brother, Richard Harris, and sister, Sylvia Commodore.
He is survived by: his daughter, Teresa Ortiz of Dover, DE; his sons; Francis Harris, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA and Elmer Wheeler, Jr. of Chestertown, MD; daughters-in-law, Patricia Harris and Tina Wheeler; seven grandchildren, Melvin, Jr., Lisa, Nakina, Markegan, Jalynn, Tiffany, and Tamika; nine great-grandchildren, Justice, Messiah,
Aaliyah, Micah, Josiah, Kennedi, Nyla, Kendall and Chase; companion, Brenda Stanley;
several godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In this time of sorrow, let us remember Bernard for the joy he brought into our lives,
his unwavering love for his family, and his dedication to his passions. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.