Raymond Harris Sr.

Raymond Douglas Harris, Sr., affectionately known as "Buff," was born on June 25, 1932, in Roanoke, Virginia, to Raymond Louis Harris and Edith Baxter. A devoted husband, father, and friend, he lived a life marked by integrity, service, and love. From an early age, he possessed a deep passion for music - he could read, write, and play with extraordinary skill. Gifted with talent and discipline, he studied at the renowned Juilliard School of Music for two years and later played the clarinet and saxophone in the military band while serving in Korea. He also trained and later worked at Curtiss-Wright, an architectural and engineering firm, where he worked on aircraft engines as a maintenance and repair engineer. Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, wisdom, humor, and unwavering faith in God's mercy and goodness.
A man of foresight and vision, Raymond built his life on hard work and commitment to family. In 1962, he founded Statewide Janitorial Service, a commercial cleaning company that he owned and operated for over fifty years. Even while working full-time at Xerox, he spent evenings growing his business-not for personal gain, but to ensure his family was cared for and his children were well educated. He believed deeply in perseverance, excellence, and gratitude, values that he instilled in all who knew him. Beyond business, his love of jazz was profound; he cherished the history and richness of the genre and shared friendships with musical greats such as Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, and Paul Chambers. He could talk for hours about the technical beauty of music to anyone willing to listen.
Raymond was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carmaleta Harris, with whom he shared nearly thirty years of marriage; his daughter Simone; Nancy's husband, Phillip Carey; Paul Harris, his son; and his sisters Geraldine Harris and Chiquita Harris. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Dassie Pitts, brother Richard Harris, and children (Herb) Butch (Kathy) Campbell, Nancy Barnes-Carey, Raymond Harris Jr., Kylisa Harris, and Daphne Harris. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Damian (Sandra) Barnes, Dorian (Nia) Barnes, Kristen (Corey) Brown, Leigh Brant, Carmaleta (Patrick) Billups, Alexa (Losseny) Sumake, Cole Campbell, Jaamal Russell, Chantelle Young, Ashley Hill, Rayahna (Walter) Harris, Mateo Chestnut, and Paul Harris Jr.; and his great-grandchildren Taylor Barnes, Ryan Barnes, Sidney Barnes, Morgan Barnes, Penelope Barnes, Bryce Barnes, Aliya Sumake, Isaiah Sumake, Zara Melton, Siahna Melton, Micah Billups, Gracen Billups, Christian Billups, Haven Simone Bruington Billups, Hannah Grace Bruington Billups, and Hayleigh Ann Bruington Billups.
A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends will continue to honor his legacy of faith, family, music, and love.