Raymond Hankins Harris
Remembering A Man Who Loved Unconditionally and Allowed God to Fight His Battles
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11
God in his infinite wisdom on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 in Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital called home Raymond Hankins Harris, a soldier who served, family, friends and strangers, to rest from his earthly labor to his heavenly reward. Raymond was born February 4, 1925 in Jackson, North Carolina to the loving parents, Jack and Endia Hankins Harris.
Raymond a World War II Veteran served his country proudly in the United States Army and fought for all of our rights of freedom.
Raymond, Daddy Raymond or ‘Papa’ as he was affectionately referred to by so many was a man who never met a stranger and allowed every person who had the pleasure of meeting him feel uniquely special. He was known for his dear greeting, ‘Hello My Love.’ Raymond loved family and stood to support in every area possible. A quiet gentle soul who was innovative and worked to provide for his family, Raymond was a ‘Jack of All Trades’ and was gifted by God to see a way to make life flow smoother and easier. He retired from the New York City Housing Authority in Brooklyn, New York. If it could be seen in his mind, Raymond could make it come into fruition.
Raymond may have worked hard and long but when he retired, HE RETIRED! He was frugal and was known for his driving from store to store to get circulars to carry back home, plan his shopping for the best deals strategy then go back to his shopping path of Piggie Wiggie (Piggly Wiggly on Princess Anne Road in Norfolk), Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Walmart and Farm Fresh. If one was looking for him, you knew his faithful route and you were sure to find him in a store, the parking lot or making a quick trip to help one of his children pick up a grandchild. At the age of 90 Raymond gave up his car keys and stopped driving.
Raymond was an avid bowler and loved bowling. He enjoyed baseball and oh course was a fan of the New York Mets. He was a story-teller and the historian of the family. He was known for ‘Ain’t nobody here but us Chickens’.
On June 15, 1950 in Jackson, North Carolina Raymond married the love of his life, Catherine Balmer. To this marital union of sixty-nine years they were blessed with four daughters, a son, twelve grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
Raymond loved The Lord and served as faithful member of New Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. Raymond was no stranger to serving The Lord with gladness in the church. He worked a full-time job and faithfully got off and nightly opened Mt. Lebanon in Brooklyn New York at 7pm where he served as a member and the sexton for many many years.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Endia Hankins Harris; siblings, Jack, Vernon, Emily and Endia; daughter, Colleen Caldwell; grandson, Jadon Jenkins; great grand-daughter, Inyla Foster and beautiful wife, Catherine B. Harris.
Raymond leaves to cherish his life legacy five Children, Pamela A. Harris, Debbruedell M. Harris- Long (Vernon), Nelson Harris – Lopez (Hycieth) and Evelyn Harris – Lopez; eleven Grandchildren, Lache, Ebony, Kardoan, Nefratia, Najee (Sade), Jermiah, Jayla, David, Nia, Priscilla, and Jacobi; thirteen great grandchildren; Goddaughter, Audrey Gray; Sister-In- Love, Hazel Moses as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, church and family friends.
Condolences(8)-
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Frances L.Dixon says
August 17, 2020 at 4:26 pmTo The Harris Family your Family have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr.Harris.May God comfort your families heart and ease the pain in your time of sorrow
Know that we are here for you.
We love you.
Mrs and Marcus Collins and Ms.Frances Dixon
Eugene Dent says
August 19, 2020 at 6:40 pmGod???? has called home another angel, sadly???? we let you go, fly ????my friend,???? Cathy is there to take you home.
Eugene ????Century Dent .
Keejafee Outlaw says
August 17, 2020 at 10:48 pmPraying Gods Strength Upon The Entire Harris Family????????????????❤️❤️Mr. Harris Will Be Missed????????????????We Love You All❤️❤️Diane Outlaw And Family
Michael L. Shorts says
August 20, 2020 at 11:54 amCondolences goes out to the Harris family. I have been attached to this family all my life. I grew up with Carolyn and knew her mother Ms. Hazel. Pam and I played as kids and I had a crush on her oldest sister. Pam and her mother were friends of my Mom and they all belonged to the same church. I won’t forget how they helped me with my mom (Tina) during her time fighting dementia. Joyce and I will continue to pray for this family down here in Florida. Mr. Harris was a very kind soul.
Velma Atkinson, Vanessa Atkinson, Kendrick Edwards & family and Almeta Hollomon says
August 21, 2020 at 11:41 pm:
There are in the end three things that last: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Though your heart must hold deep sadness right now, may it also hold the blessings of the love that will always be a part of you… Praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirit, and carry you through this time of sadness
With love,
Keeonya Bradley says
August 21, 2020 at 11:54 pmMr. Harris was so pleasant and kind, and we often shared a laugh. He was such an admirable family man. I’m saddened by his passing, but he lived a wonderful life, leaving an impressive legacy. I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Harris family.
Joyce and Melinda says
August 22, 2020 at 12:00 pmDear Harris Family,
It’s times like these that we reminisce about the “good times” once shared. Mr. & Mrs. Harris were an integral part of family during all of our time at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Norfolk. There wasn’t a week that passed that we weren’t all in contact; sharing stories, music, FOOD, and most of all precious time.
The loss of Mr. Harris closes one chapter, but the love from God allows the book to be continuously written with portions of the legacy the Harris’ have left.
Your father (and mother) will always hold a special, special place in our hearts!
“May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.”
Love,
Joyce and Melinda Gainer
Amir Wright says
August 22, 2020 at 2:21 pmR.I.P GRANDAD LOVE YOU ARE IN A WAY BETTER YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN LOVE YOU