In the early morning hours of January 13, 2025, David Eugene Harris of Franklin, VA, answered the Voice of God to leave his earthly home and enter into eternal rest. David, affectionally known as “DAVE BOY,” was born in Portsmouth, VA, to Delorise Harris on September 23, 1965, at Portsmouth General Hospital. He was raised in the Truxton and Cavalier Manor (Bonney Villa) sections of Portsmouth.
As a child, David accepted Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and was baptized at Emanuel A.M.E Church, Portsmouth, VA, under the leadership of Rev. Warren Page. He was a long-time member of Emanuel A.M.E. Church and served faithfully. After relocating to Franklin, VA he joined Hood Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church under the leadership of Pastor Sam Warren.
As a young man, “Dave Boy” was very athletic and excelled in baseball and football. Playing for Charles Peete Little League Baseball, he was known as a strong hitter with a strong arm, often “hitting the long ball” and was notorious for “throwing players out” at first base. In football, he was a dominating force when he played for Douglas Park Greyhounds and Bonney Villa Community teams, competing against area teams such as Bold Street, Clay Street, and Charlestown. “Dave Boy” had a wild passion for sports and would read the sports page of the Virginian Pilot. And from those sports pages, he would create team lineups, adding himself as a starting player and creating impressive and sometimes record-breaking stats.
David attended Portsmouth Public Schools where he excelled academically and won numerous spelling bee contests. Sports remained a focal point in his adulthood life as well. He played softball for such teams as the Cavalier Manor “A’s”, Truxton Community, and the “Da Crew”. As a testament to his athletic ability, he also played football for the semi-pro team, Chesapeake Eagles, which at that time was coached by Nennie Buck. He later combined his love of sports with his commitment to his community by serving as the Chief Executive Officer of The Inner-City Umpires Association. This Association provides umpiring services to all recreation leagues and AAU teams throughout the 757 and 804 areas. Whether he was playing sports, umpiring a game, or mentoring area youths, David was loved by all, and children, staff, and parents enjoyed working with him.
David was a hard worker and always provided for his family. He was employed with Church’s Chicken, Hardees, and Virginia Chemicals. Prior to his passing, he retired after twenty-three years of employment at Southern Public Services Authority (SPSA), where he was fondly known as “Dee”. He loved his job, and easily made friends wherever he went. Whether at work, in the community, or with his family, his love of sports and his passion for life were felt by everyone he came into contact with.
David was predeceased by his mother, Delorise Harris Johnson, father figures: Wilbur Peter Johnson who he lovingly called “Dad” and Ronald Johnson who he affectionally referred to as “Pop”. He was the first grandson of the late Linster and the late Louise Humphrey, they cherished him and were instrumental in his upbringing.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Jacque Davis Spratley (Whitley), Ebony Spratley Larry (Christopher), and David Eugene Harris, Jr.; his siblings: Rhonda D. Harris (Samuel), Angela H. Lenoir (Nick), Robin J. Parham (Antonio), Terri L. Cambell, Vanessa R. Cannady, Randi Loft, Caron Lott, and Donald Newsome (Nicole); A special Aunt, Ragina Humphrey; an Aunt in Love, Jaqueline Harris; a Favorite Uncle, Tommy Bullock (Fee); God-brother, Samuel Warren (Andrea), and the love of his life Fiancée, Pamela Peterson; Aunts and Uncle in the Tisdom family: Jannie, Gracie, Gloria, Gary, Terry, Agnes: James Thomas; adopted siblings, Chris Johnson, Deidra J. Hill, Laurice Parham and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We will cherish all the amazing memories that we shared with David until we meet again.
Condolences(23)-
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Michael Debroux says
January 16, 2025 at 12:49 pmMy sincere condolences on the loss of your family member. Dee has been a good friend and coworker for many years, and he will be missed.
Tracie Smith-Banks says
January 16, 2025 at 1:07 pmI am truly sorry for your loss. I have known David for a long time and I just can’t believe this has happened. My prayers are with the family. I pray for strength to the whole family and I know the Lord will see you through this.
Dale and Janet Holden says
January 16, 2025 at 2:59 pmWe are so sorry for the family’s loss! David was such light and inspiration working for and advocating for youth baseball!
Ray says
January 16, 2025 at 7:48 pmWishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Brian Ogle says
January 17, 2025 at 8:47 amDee was like a brother to me and part of my family! Dee was an awesome person with the kindest heart. We will miss him terribly! Until we meet again brother!
Faye Lorraine Kee says
January 17, 2025 at 12:45 pmWe know we can’t make your pain go away, but we want you to know we’re here for you with a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, or anything else you need. David kindness and love will forever be remembered.
Missy and The Johnson Family
Geneva Carraway says
January 22, 2025 at 2:24 pmForever In My Heart Big Dawg 💔
Regina Humphrey, Aunt says
January 19, 2025 at 8:13 amTo my nieces and all other family members,
You are all in my prayers. A family that prays together, stays together. I am praying God‘s strength be with us through this difficult time of our lives. Sending much love to all.💐🙏🏾❤️
Ruby R. Greer says
January 21, 2025 at 3:29 pmRuby R.Greer: I do remember David from Emanuel AMEC. My prayers are with the family. Be blessed and please know we are there for you!
Ellen Reaves says
January 21, 2025 at 11:18 pmTo the Harris family my condolences to you and your family. May God continue to bless each of you.
Maurice Ruffin says
January 22, 2025 at 11:56 amI would like to express my condolences to the family. May God continue to comfort you during this time.
Pamela E. Harris says
January 20, 2025 at 6:59 pmTo my dearest family;
I send my deepest
condolences, sympathies, prayers of comfort, peace, strength and healing. DaveBoy passed so suddenly. He is my first cousin. Great sadness overwhelmed me with doubt and unbelief. He sent me; on occasion, Godly, inspirational words. Which encourage me in the ways of the Lord. Please keep his children, grandchild, siblings, Aunt, cousins, the family and friends in your prayers. Thank you All! Blessings!
Nate Pittman says
January 20, 2025 at 7:39 pmMy prayers and condolences to David’s siblings and his kids. May his memory stay in your hearts and carry you all thru this time of bereavement. He has gained his wings and he is now soaring up in sky as your guardian angel!!! Peace, prayers and love to you all.
Nathan Pittman says
January 20, 2025 at 8:03 pmMy prayers and condolences to David’s siblings and his kids. May his memory stay in your hearts and carry you all thru this time of bereavement. He has gained his wings and he is now soaring up in sky as your guardian angel!!! Peace, prayers and love to you all.
LaKeyta Henderson says
January 22, 2025 at 8:33 amSending prayers of comfort and strength to the family during the loss of my cousin Dave. May God continue to hold and comfort you all during this difficult time. Love Peaches 💔
Crystal (Roulhac) Antley says
January 22, 2025 at 10:46 amJesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. Whosoever believes in me will live, even though they die.” I pray God will shroud the family with peace beyond understanding, faith to understand God is bigger than this unspeakable hurt and strength to continue on each day, step by step. Love yall, Chris
Jacqueline Harris says
January 22, 2025 at 11:58 amMy condolences to all the family of David Harris, named after my husband, and Uncle of David. He was a wonderful man. Kind and generous man. He is with my husband now enjoying heaven together with other family members, as well as our Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God be with all the family. Praying for you all 🙏🏽 Love you
Viola says
January 22, 2025 at 12:36 pmDavid, I only knew you for a brief moment and I am grateful! You always had a smile and love to joke! You were good people and made all feel welcome! You will be missed!
Javon Bowser says
January 22, 2025 at 1:57 pmI love u PoP u really saved me im goin to miss u
Rose Boone says
January 22, 2025 at 10:11 pmMy Condolences to the Family of Daveboy ..I have known him since I was 17 yrs.old….He was my Best Friend and you will be forever….You will truly be missed..🕊️💐🕊️💐🕊️💐
Mary Pope says
January 22, 2025 at 10:49 pmFrom your neighbor when people were true neighbors. I send sincerest condolences to family and friends, and especially to Rhonda, and Regina and Robin. This is a heartfelt mystery we live with until we meet again! My prayers are that the family members and friends grows even closer towards agape love for strength for the journey.
Dexter Harris says
February 8, 2025 at 6:42 pmR.I.P. Big D…..
Obviously we didn’t get to see each other that much because of distance, but your definitely in a way better location and we will surely see each other again….
Chandler says
January 28, 2025 at 2:24 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Harris was a great role model & man. Dave always greeted you with a smile and exuberant energy. Mr. Harris was kind, understanding, and loyal and I hope to be half the man he was. Mr. Harris always walked his talk and he’ll truly be missed.
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