Willie Lee Harris, Jr.

Obituary For Willie Lee Harris, Jr.

WILLIE LEE HARRIS, JR., 78, peacefully transitioned to eternal rest at the Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Health Care Center on the morning of Sunday, June 13, 2021. A beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and cousin, “Junie” as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, was born in Harrisburg, PA to the late Willie Lee Harris, Sr. and Beatrice Ward Harris Cartwright. Following his father’s death, Willie lived with his mother in Cleveland, Ohio and later returned to Harrisburg to live with his grandmother, Mrs. Hattie Harris and his brother, Olin Harris, where he was reared in Harrisburg’s historical Old Eighth Ward, known as the “Bloody Eighth or a Bucket of Blood.” The Old Eighth Ward, which was totally demolished to build the State Capitol Complex, was home to Harrisburg’s European immigrants, freed slaves, hard-working business owners, historic leaders and several African American churches. Despite the hardships of life, the Harris family kept their faith in God! Junie received his education in the Harrisburg School District, attending William Penn High School until he left to join the United States Air Force at an early age. While in the military, he served as an airplane mechanic and was a formidable boxer. While serving abroad, he learned to speak 3 languages: Korean, German, and French. In 1963, Junie married the former Donna Pearl Tracy. To this union was born a beautiful daughter, Anita Lynnette Harris, who was the joy of his life. Lynnette, along with her husband Larry, were very devoted in caring for her father. Junie was blessed with gifted hands and an innovative mind that gave him the ability to build, create and repair machinery and technical equipment. Honing his gift and expertise, Junie became a machinist by trade. He also held various positions with Pomeroy’s Department Store Tea Room, AB Duck Inc., Harrisburg School District, Office Store Equipment repairman, the Pennsylvania Railroad and Boscov’s Department Store. Through the faithful prayers of his grandmother, Junie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at a young age, becoming a member of the original Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church, which was located at Calden and Broad Street. Later, he united with Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church where he enjoyed worshipping with his family, singing with the Men’s Chorus, attending breakfast events and outings with the Men’s Ministry. During his leisure time, Brother Harris was an avid coin collector and took great pleasure in watching horror movies. He always liked dressing up, looking good and being “sharp as a tack!” Junie loved visiting the home of his niece and her husband, Minister Kirsten and Pastor Thomas A. Keys, where he knew he would be treated like a king. He was known for his sweet personality, having a fondness for family and keeping them entertained. In addition to his parents, Junie was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sister Hattie Harris; his brother, Reverend Dr. Olin Harris, Sr.; his sister-in-law, Charlotte A. Harris and his nephews, Olin Harris, Jr. and Lance Hill. He leaves a legacy of love to cherish precious memories to his daughter, Anita Lynnette Harris Holmes and son-in-law, Larry Holmes; his 5 grandchildren: Ashley Chambers (Chauncey), Justin Harris, Lynnae’ Harris, Kyeisha Guider, Kevin Guider, Jr.; his 16 great grandchildren: Jaquan, Lyndell, Alize, India, Genesis, KayJelynn, Jha’ Niya, Kayla, Maurice, Aleeyah, Malaysia, Nicholas, Aeryn, Isabella, Justin, Jr. and Kevyn; his nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Daddy, your presence in our lives will be sorely missed.

Willie Lee Harris, Jr.'s life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary of Tabernacle Baptist Church located at 2730 Booser Avenue in the Penbrook Area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17103