Mr. Raymond Kenneth Harris

Affectionately known as “Baby Ray,'' was born June 16, 1950, to the late Nathaniel Horace and Victoria Smith Harris in Mobile, Alabama, and the family later moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age as a member of Beulah First Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Here is where he served and liked singing, and was often asked, by special request, to sing, “How Great Thou Art.” Raymond attended Brooks Elementary School, W. E. Combs High School, and was a graduate in the class of 1969 from Choctawhatchee Sr. High School, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. While in school, Ray extended his musical skills by playing the drums in the marching band. While in Fort Walton Beach he was employed with Gilmore Moving and Storage and Campbell Moving & Storage companies. Raymond has always been ambitious and marched to his own beat. In 1979, Raymond moved to Houston, Texas. While there he embarked upon his entrepreneurial spirit by starting Harris Package Delivery Company which he owned and operated for over 25 successful years. He received several Safety Awards. During this time, he assisted other contractors while excelling as an Independent Contractor with FedEx. Raymond met Viola Martinez, the love of his life, in Houston, they entered into Holy Matrimony on December 21,1984 and spent 39 wonderful, exciting years together. In 2013, the loving couple took to the road in their RV and they traveled across over 45 states exploring their culture, participating in iconic events, and celebrating retirement at its best. In 2016, Raymond and Viola moved to McDonough, Georgia. Raymond was firm, but yet very compassionate! He loved singing, traveling, dancing, Family Gatherings ( he attended all of the Family Reunions) and most of all gardening! You could find him at any given time, working in his yard. Precious Memories to: : His faithful wife, Viola (Vi) Martinez Harris; Children: Muiray Brown, Earline Arnold (Zee), Dexsha Lane; Sisters: Victoria Reynolds, Jeanette Cubbage, Shirley Ann Harris, Gwendolyn Watts (Larry), Tonia Feagin, and Janie Franklin (Ronald), Laura Franklin, and Natalie Johnson. Brothers: Lamar Washington, Conrad Washington, Vincent Washington, Ivan Washington, and Jerome McNeil. A host of Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews & Cousins. Special friends: Glenn Alford, Arthur Jackson, Sam Davis & Herman Stukes. Brothers preceding him in death: Gerald, Bobby, Leslie, and Nathaniel. Friends who preceded him in death: Ray Charles Wilson, Jeppie Samuel, Robert Earl Whitley, Chilly Brice and Willie King (Butch).

Tributes

Mr. Raymond Kenneth Harris

June 16, 1950 - March 20, 2024