Mr. Grover R. Harris, Jr., was born on December 18, 1921 in Savannah, Georgia to Grover Harris, Sr. and Ruth Coleman Harris., as a child the family moved to Harlem, New York. He attended NYC Public Schools # 89 (elementary) and P.S. # 139 (junior high). Two weeks after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Grover Harris enlisted in the United States Army in December 1941. Assigned as a Clerk Typist, he was a Carbine Rifle Qualified Marksman and served 4-year tour in the Pacific. Grover Harris received several decorations and citations: The Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal, which he proudly displayed. Grover completed his tour as a United States Army Sergeant on November 28, 1945. Grover Harris retired from the United States Postal Service after decades of loyal and distinguished service as a clerk and supervisor. When he faced racial barriers within the postal hierarchy, he often relied on his friend and Congressman Rev. Adam Clayton Powell (whom Grover referred to as his ‘Rabbi’), for ‘political assistance’. In 1949 married Eleanor Pough. Grover and Eleanor spent 50 years together. They moved from Harlem to Cambria Heights, Queens, NY. Prior to retiring and moving to Atlanta, Grover Harris and his family were members of Allen A.M.E. Church, St. Albans, Long Island, New York. A talented classical and jazz pianist, Grover Harris’ piano teacher helped sharpen his skills as she introduced him to “Count” Basie & his orchestra members, Lena Horne, and other Harlem legends. Even into his 90’s, Grover asked friends to purchase sheet music for him through the internet. Those who knew Grover Harris knew that he absolutely ‘loved’ to drive. Distance was no bother: Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia ….while listening to his favorite music on Sirius XM Radio’s Frank Sinatra channel. As a member of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, Grover enthusiastically held the distinction as the eldest member of the Seniors and Retirees Ministry. That ministry enjoyed his company and became his ‘church family.’ On Wednesday, July 24, 2019, Grover passed away at Sacred Journey Hospice, he was 97 years old. Grover was predeceased by his parents, Grover and Ruth Harris; stepmother, Gertrude Harris; wife Eleanor (1999); son Jerome (2018); brothers, Brutus and George; sister, Erma; sister in law, Catherine; and, brother-in-law, Hayward Sr. Those who cherish the memory of Grover R. Harris include: his sister, Ann Burroughs; brother, James Harris (Glenda); grandchildren Jerome Jr., Joshua, and Isaiah; nephews Gregory, Dorian, Chester, James Jr., and Hayward Jr.; nieces, Tracey (Clifton) and Debra; great-grandchildren, Josaiah, Josh, Bralen, and Iyonni; several of grandnieces, grandnephews, great nieces and great nephews, family, friends, and wonderful neighbors, and also special ‘daughter-at-heart,’ Sheryl Prince.
Celebration of Life will be Monday, August 12, 2019 11:00. Saint Phillip A.M.E. Church. 240 Candler Rd. Atlanta GA. 30317 Grissom-Clark Funeral Home www.grissom-clarkfh.com
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