Obituary of Leroy Harris

Leroy Harris was born on December 24, 1926 in Miami, Florida to the late Miriam Taylor Harris and Frank Harris Sr. He was one of the most kind-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, good natured and giving souls one could ever meet. Although strong-willed and determined, he was an obedient and caring son to his parents and a Joseph to his siblings. This great humanitarian was actually the second of three siblings, of whom he was the last to survive. His effort and influence ensured the safety, prosperity, and success of the lives of many. Anyone who knew Leroy knew that he personified hard work and determination. Not surprisingly when the time came, he enlisted in the armed forces and became a Navy Seal in 1944. He served with distinction and received due recognition with an Honorable Discharge Button on his departure from active duty. To the time of his passing, his life exemplified the motto which he embraced while serving, "On time, On target, Never quit". In his older years he fondly let you know, “I might be slow but I’m sure”, graciously repeated in his unique vernacular. His life work also saw him providing service to many through The American Red Cross of Miami Florida, and an Orderly at Jackson Memorial Hospital. It was the wise man Soloman who asked the poignant question, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies". Being the handsome, charming, and irresistible man of his day, Leroy not only had the opportunity to find such a precious gem once, but twice when he shared holy matrimony with Mrs. Mary Alice Harris and Mrs. Elfreda Bowen Harris both of whom predeceased him. His marital union with Mary Alice Harris produced his lovely daughters Shirley Diane Harris-Marshall who also predeceased him and Bonnie Yvonne Harris-Kinchen who currently lives on to carry his family’s legacy. His union with Mrs Elfreda Bowen Harris did not produce any children as they were married in his older years, however, he still had the opportunity to play an integral role in the lives of her seven children. Leroy loved the Lord with a passion and enthusiasm that he shared with one and all. Not surprisingly, he gave his heart to the Lord and became a member of the True Faith Missionary Baptist Church. One of his favorite bible verses was Isaiah 40:31, " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint”. He had no degree to speak of, yet he would teach you some of the most valuable life lessons that you would ever recall. He wasn’t a doctor, but he healed many souls through his kind deeds and wise words. He wasn’t an evangelist but he shared his knowledge and love for God wherever he went. He did not own a mansion, yet he would give you a place to rest. He was not perfect, he did not always get it right, yet he strove to emulate the life of Christ. He loved his family dearly, considering no sacrifice too great in order to ensure their greater good. He gave his best, he gave his all. He loved others and desperately wanted everyone he’d meet to know and become a part of the family of God and make Heaven their home. Leroy enjoyed great health for many years, a testament to the fact that he must have been doing something right. However, in April of this year he began experiencing complications with Renal failure and Congestive Heart Failure. On November 4, 2023, after some months of declining health, God called him to rest. He is survived by his daughter Bonnie Yvonne Harris Kinchen, grand daughter Gabriel Octavia Robinson, grandson Nathan Marshall Jr, great grandson Blythe Anthony Boothe Jr, great grand daughter Brianna Marshall. Seven children to his beloved wife Elfreda Bowen Harris, nieces, nephews and other beloved relatives. When all was said and done, his was a life well lived, and race well run. He fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, righteous judge, shall give at that great day, not to him only but unto all them also that love his appearing. Leroy Harris we salute you. May his soul rest in peace. In Repose Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Chapel Service 4:00 P.M. Burial with Honor Guards 2:00 P.M. November 20, 2023 at South Florida VA National Cemetery-Lake Worth, Florida. Please keep the Harris family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is Honored to assist the Harris family with the arrangements.