Obituary for Robert Earl Harris
Monday, May 23, 2022, Deacon Robert Earl Harris took his flight, departing this world to eternal glory. In the loving company of his wife, children, and grandchildren, he passed peacefully at Princess Anne Sentara in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Robert Earl Harris, affectionately known as, “Bob”, “Harry”, or “Big Red” was born November 26, 1941 in Crawfordsville, Arkansas – to the late Texanna Spivey and Johnnie Harris. The oldest of three children, Robert (in addition to his mother and father) is preceded in death by: His grandfather, Charlie Wesley “Papa” Barbee and his grandmother, Rosilee “Mama” Barbee. He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Christine Harris and Barbara Jean Lewis.
Robert grew up in Arkansas and was an outstanding athlete. He played basketball, golf, and was a natural runner. In 1970, Bob and Liz moved their family to Virginia. The stature of his character was evident in the many titles he carried. Robert served for 30 years in the United States Navy. Spanning more than sixty (60) years, Bob’s career accomplishments include military service, Civil Service, Virginia Beach Public Schools, the Real Estate profession, and let us not forget his golf swing and aspirations to join the PGA!
Bob was a Draftsman, a pc-repairman, a realtor, bus driver, artist, and one of the first ordained Deacons at Faithway Baptist Church. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school and served faithfully for more than 25 years at Faithway. While he excelled in each of these roles, they pale in comparison to his influence as a husband (for almost 54 years), father, grandfather, brother, uncle, father-in-law, cousin, and friend. His love for family epitomizes the meaning of being a priest, provider, and protector for his family. Driven and articulate, Robert was easy-going, a man of few words, who brought profound wisdom to the lives of many. His kindness earned him the admiration and respect of family and friends alike. Leading by example, Robert was a life-long learner; from painting to gardening, to carpentry, and modeling a nice suit, he was a man of many talents. Simply stated, he was a distinguished gentleman, with a noticeable “dapper demeanor”. In the home, community, and in the church, Robert leaves a reputation above reproach. His life and legacy are defined by love, compassion, wisdom, and service. He is forever remembered as a servant leader.
Robert Earl Harris is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Harris. Since their marriage in Chelsea, Boston, August 17, 1968, together they have watched four generations of family, love, and togetherness. Robert also leaves to cherish his memory a son and four daughters. Daughter, Charlene Smith (son-in-law, Charles); son, Daniel Harris; daughter Sherry Jackson (son-in-law, Lewis); daughter, Crystal Gerron (son-in-law, David); and daughter, Lisa Klutz (son-in-law, Antoine). He is survived by nine (9) grandchildren: Anwar Byrd, Sherria Harris, Cristen Gerron, Jaslyn Jackson, Teonna Thompson, Devin Gerron, Brianna Jackson, Lewis Jackson IV, and Jahiyha Harris. Robert is survived by two (2) great-grandchildren, Harmony Craddock and Rylen Barlow. Robert’s influence has touched countless lives; joining the immediate family, Robert is honored and remembered by two aunts, Birtha Roberson and Tina Reed; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and life-long friends.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, 12:00, at Faithway Community Fellowship church, 1305 Level Green Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. A grave-side service will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Robert Earl Harris, affectionately known as, “Bob”, “Harry”, or “Big Red” was born November 26, 1941 in Crawfordsville, Arkansas – to the late Texanna Spivey and Johnnie Harris. The oldest of three children, Robert (in addition to his mother and father) is preceded in death by: His grandfather, Charlie Wesley “Papa” Barbee and his grandmother, Rosilee “Mama” Barbee. He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Christine Harris and Barbara Jean Lewis.
Robert grew up in Arkansas and was an outstanding athlete. He played basketball, golf, and was a natural runner. In 1970, Bob and Liz moved their family to Virginia. The stature of his character was evident in the many titles he carried. Robert served for 30 years in the United States Navy. Spanning more than sixty (60) years, Bob’s career accomplishments include military service, Civil Service, Virginia Beach Public Schools, the Real Estate profession, and let us not forget his golf swing and aspirations to join the PGA!
Bob was a Draftsman, a pc-repairman, a realtor, bus driver, artist, and one of the first ordained Deacons at Faithway Baptist Church. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school and served faithfully for more than 25 years at Faithway. While he excelled in each of these roles, they pale in comparison to his influence as a husband (for almost 54 years), father, grandfather, brother, uncle, father-in-law, cousin, and friend. His love for family epitomizes the meaning of being a priest, provider, and protector for his family. Driven and articulate, Robert was easy-going, a man of few words, who brought profound wisdom to the lives of many. His kindness earned him the admiration and respect of family and friends alike. Leading by example, Robert was a life-long learner; from painting to gardening, to carpentry, and modeling a nice suit, he was a man of many talents. Simply stated, he was a distinguished gentleman, with a noticeable “dapper demeanor”. In the home, community, and in the church, Robert leaves a reputation above reproach. His life and legacy are defined by love, compassion, wisdom, and service. He is forever remembered as a servant leader.
Robert Earl Harris is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Harris. Since their marriage in Chelsea, Boston, August 17, 1968, together they have watched four generations of family, love, and togetherness. Robert also leaves to cherish his memory a son and four daughters. Daughter, Charlene Smith (son-in-law, Charles); son, Daniel Harris; daughter Sherry Jackson (son-in-law, Lewis); daughter, Crystal Gerron (son-in-law, David); and daughter, Lisa Klutz (son-in-law, Antoine). He is survived by nine (9) grandchildren: Anwar Byrd, Sherria Harris, Cristen Gerron, Jaslyn Jackson, Teonna Thompson, Devin Gerron, Brianna Jackson, Lewis Jackson IV, and Jahiyha Harris. Robert is survived by two (2) great-grandchildren, Harmony Craddock and Rylen Barlow. Robert’s influence has touched countless lives; joining the immediate family, Robert is honored and remembered by two aunts, Birtha Roberson and Tina Reed; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and life-long friends.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, 12:00, at Faithway Community Fellowship church, 1305 Level Green Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. A grave-side service will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.