Ray Anthony Harris

Rev. Ray Harris was born in Nash County to Marcus Garvey Barnes and Magdalene Brown Barnes on April 30th, 1955, in Nash County North Carolina. As a child Ray his nick name (Ray Boy) was raised by Joe Harris and Gabella Barnes Harris who resided in Wendell North Carolina Ray departed this earthly life on Thursday August 21st, 2025, at Wake medical center.

Ray graduated from Vaiden Whitley High School in Wendell North Carolina. Before he graduated from high school Ray received a letter as a candidate for the Morehead scholarship and that was the highlight of his young life. After the highlight of his achievement, he continued his education at the University of North Carolina with a bachelor's arts degree in economics in 1977. he met the love of his life and married Tammie Willis Harris of Durham. Of this union, they have three Children. Ray proceeds his career in retail management one of them was Eckerd drugs for many years. As his career continued, he was called to the ministry of the AMEZ Church. Ray announced his call to the ministry here at this very church Kyle's Temple AME Zion Church. Ray preached his initial sermon on the very night Hurricane Fran was approaching, demonstrating unwavering commitment as he continued to preach until he completed his message. Ray had a kind heart for people in his ministry and love to help everyone even when times were not there for him, he made that time to keep his spiritual walk. As time went on and Ray became ill, he was still determined that he was going to be here no matter what. He fought the good fight until one night he said I know my Family is here I love you but it's time for me to go to Jesus arms.

Ray was preceded in transition by his parents Marcus Garvey Barnes senior and Magdalene Brown Barnes, Joe and Gaybella Harris who raised him, one brother David Earl Barnes and one sister Vonseal Marie Harris Fox.

Ray leads to cherish his memory and his love to his wife Tammie Willis Harris of Carrboro, North Carolina, his daughters, Amber Joleen Harris of Durham, North Carolina, Jasmine Artelia Harris of Raleigh North Carolina, his Son Justin Ray Harris Senior of Oceanside California; Seven sisters Linda Williams, Brenda Kortue, Teresa Barnes Ayers, Debra(Barnes) Robertson, Sheryl Barnes, Angela Barnes, and JoAnn Dunn; eight brothers, Marcus Garvey Barnes Jr., Kenneth Barnes, Larry Barnes, OBrian Barnes, Nicholas Barnes, Philip Harris, and Joe Daniel Harris. Eight grandchildren, Mya Hill, Jadee R Harris, Christion Hill, Justin Ray Harris Jr., Chace Sowell, Jayden Harris, Jordan Harris, and Jason Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.