Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr. Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr.

Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr., of Richmond, passed peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning, January 9, 2022, at 97 years old. He was born in Kershaw (Stonesboro), South Carolina to Chalmers and Estella Cunningham Harris on October 24, 1924 and was the oldest of nine children. Rayford accepted his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age and upon moving to Richmond, became a member of Second Baptist Church in the West End, where he was a long-serving Deacon. Through it all, Dr. Harris's life was grounded in his faith and family. After attending schools in Kershaw, Rayford graduated from Boylan-Haven Mather Academy in Camden, South Carolina. His senior year and graduation were delayed due to his service in the Navy during World War II. After being honorably discharged with a rank of Seaman First Class, he returned home for graduation and then matriculated at Hampton Institute, now University, where he met his wonderful wife, Frances (Vonnie) Richardson. Rayford graduated in 1952 with a degree in what was widely known as Industrial Arts and also received an Army Commission as a Second Lieutenant specializing in anti-aircraft artillery. Rayford married his college sweetheart, Frances, in 1952 and they moved to Richmond to start their teaching careers and family. Dr. Harris’ professional career had two stops. He taught “shop” in Richmond Public Schools at Blackwell Junior High School. There, his students did such wonderful work that it was displayed in several store fronts on Hull Street. He shared that the students were so good that the principal at Maggie Walker High School tried to “sneak him away” from Blackwell. In 1959, Virginia State College called and Dr. Harris answered. During his tenure there, the Industrial Arts & Technical Education Teacher Training program blossomed. He was quite proud of all of the machinery and tools that were the best of the best. Much of that equipment was procured as a result of his desire to upgrade the shop as it moved to a larger facility. He also bragged that Virginia State turned out more teachers (and better teachers) than its land grant counterpart Virginia Tech. His graduates became stellar in a vast array of fields including military, education, auto industry, electronics, carpentry, commerce, professional sports, etc. Dr. Harris did not want to snub any of his students, but he was quite happy to tell anyone about his Four Star General, Dennis Via, and the Young brothers, Sam and Posey. He was ecstatic that upon his retirement from Virginia State, one of his majors, Posey Young, was hired to continue the program’s legacy. Following his retirement, he was awarded his Doctor of Humane Letters and Professor Emeritus status. As a moderate Republican, Dr. Harris was an officer and member of the Virginia Republican Party and the Richmond Chapter. He was also a mainstay of the Black Republican organizations in Richmond, the State, and the Country, and he never missed an opportunity to vote. He always wanted to be certain that African Americans had a seat at the Republican table when discussions were had and decisions were being made. He often provided recommendations to Governors and occasionally the White House for appointments of Black citizens to various Boards, Commissions, Committees, Secretaries, and Departments/Agencies. He was often sought out to be a sounding board and a wise counsel on many Republican issues and agendas. His promotion of civil rights was enabling and defined his professional and personal life. He was descended from his great-grandmother who, in spite of beginning life on a plantation in South Carolina, managed to own a store, have over 200 acres of land, was a midwife who delivered over 200 Black and White babies without losing a mother or a baby, and managed to set a firm direction for education and self-dependency for her family. Dr. Harris continued to emphasize education as the means to advance in the world. He always shared that he was the first in the family to go to college and everyone in the family was expected to do the same. He served on many boards, commissions, and committees including the City’s Human Relations Commission; the Richmond Public Schools Board (Chair); the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV); the State Board of Education; multiple Blue Ribbon Commissions including the Virginia Council on Technology Teacher Education, the Virginia Advisory Council for Adult Education & Literacy, and the National Advisory Committee on Accreditation and Institutional Eligibility; the City of Richmond Electoral Board; the Richmond First Club (where he was the first Black member); the local Hampton Alumni Association; Richmond NAACP; Richmond Crusade for Voters; and the WWII Black Navy Veterans of Great Lakes among others. Many of these appointments were by Governors, City Councils, and Mayors, and in some cases the White House. Dr. Harris also was involved with multiple trades and vocational organizations to include the Richmond Technical Center Board, NAABAVE (National Association for the Advancement of Black Americans in Vocational Education), NAFEO (National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education), Minority Access, and the Industrial Arts Technical Education Association. As a 72 year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Brother Harris served on the Chapter and Regional levels. He held many offices, chaired many committees, and was named Keeper of Records and Seal Emeritus. He thoroughly loved mingling with his Omega Brothers. His fraternal legacy is one that continues to grow as he shared knowledge with all Brothers – young and old. His special gift was the hand carving of the fraternity’s shield while he was at Hampton Institute. Even though it was his work, he knew that shield would last forever and never leave the campus. Every member of Gamma Epsilon Chapter would get to know that exquisite work of fine craftsmanship. Through his growing friendship with his Phi Phi Chapter brother Oliver W. Hill, they were the first African Americans to attend the Governor’s Inauguration Reception for J. Lindsay Almond in 1958. Although they were not “formally” invited, Dr. Harris was confidently cautious about what they were doing as another step for progress. His fraternal recognitions include the Citizen of the Year, Omega Man of the Year, and multiple Superior Service Awards. He loved playing golf, cards, and politics. He traveled extensively to 48 states and to all continents except for Antarctica. Dr. Harris was in Tiananmen Square the week before the uprising and talked about its effect on humanity. Many of his international trips were for educational or cultural exchanges and he savored sharing the impact of those journeys and thousands of photos. Dr. Harris dearly loved and was so proud of his entire family. He loved to talk about their many educational and professional accomplishments. He was energized by the number of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees we have in the family. Throughout Harris's life, he was a mentor and advisor to so many peers and countless young people. As a bridge builder, he never hesitated to provide connections for career advancement opportunities. During his tenure at Virginia State, he was instrumental in many students’ enrollments and worked tirelessly to make sure his students stayed registered in spite of family or financial issues. Family members also knew that when needed, Uncle/Cousin/Brother/Nephew Ray was that beacon of hope. Dr. Harris was preceded in death by the love of his life, Frances; parents; infant great-granddaughter, Erica June Armstrong; sisters, Rosealee, (Annie) Ruth Clark, Hanna Brown, and Melvyn Goldsborough; brother, Copa Jay and son-in-law Ralph Portee. Survivors include his son, Rayford Jr. (Amy); daughters, Laurita Portee and Sonia Harris (Johnise Dupree); grandchildren, Courtney H. Armstrong (Chris), Mallory and Jordan Harris, Lauren Portee, and Ralph “Theo” Portee II; sisters, Mable Mickle and Wilma Jean Roscoe; brother, Chalmers (Mary); aunt, Rebecca Carrie Cunningham Patterson; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 5:45 P.M. Wednesday, January 19, 2022 followed by an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Memorial Service at 6 PM. Funeral services will be held 1 P.M. Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Scott’s Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Dr. James H. Harris officiating. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Live streaming at scottsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Harris would be honored if donations were made to two special endowments: • The Rayford L. and Frances R. Harris Endowed Scholarship in Education Office of Alumni Affairs, Hampton University Alumni Endowed Fund, 38 Indian Road, Hampton, VA 23668

• Drs. Rayford Harris & William Reed Endowed Scholarship Virginia State University Foundation, P.O. Box 9027, Petersburg, VA 23806

Please be aware of COVID protocols and restrictions. videos: https://vimeo.com/668737935 https://vimeo.com/668737836

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Our deepest sympathy to your Family. So sorry for the loss of your Father. Prayers and Blessings
RVA CLIPPERS

It was truly bitter sweet yesterday to see one of my role models laid to rest. I am a 1988 Tech Ed graduates and I long time fan of "Doc" Harris. His voice is still in my head, from moments of me serving as his suffer on a trip to Norfolk, to him telling me how to send my donation to VSU/Tech Ed. And now working on my second career being back in the classroom, I was glad I got to tell him that I "teach them more than woodworking" as he would say. An to Russell I too got an A out of one of his class. Just knowing he is no longer with us makes me feel even more alone in the "world of Technology" Rest in peace...

Thank you for your encouraging words to our children. We will miss our conversations after church service. Rest in peace. The Taylor Family

Ray, you led an enviable life and inspired so many people to be their best selves; myself not the least among these. Please continue to be a guide and inspiration from the realms of glory. Your cousin, Vera Harris Allen. VSU '75

Sending prayers and light to the entire Harris family. Love you all❣️✝️💟 Eartha Watkins

I would like to wish the family of Dr. Rayford L. Harris my sincere condolences and sympathy. Dr. Harris was an Advisor to me at Virginia State University as well as an acting father figure for me at VSU and also friends with my Father James A. Kidd of Richmond. May his spirit Rest In Peace. Keith A. Kidd Atlanta GA.

Rest in Peace Dr. Harris. You have left a fantastic legacy of service and education. Sending condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and wishing you comfort in the days ahead. Dennis Winston and family

Our Condolences to the family !

Rayford and I worked together on several community initiatives over the decades and we served together on the Board of the Richmond First Club. He was a wise and inspirational colleague and a joy to work with. His boundless optimism and velvet-gloved tenacity were marvelous. Our community is a much better place because of Rayford, and I am a much better person for having the honor of being his friend.
Bernie Henderson

Dr. Harris was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a dedicated educator that truly loved his family, graduates and education. His loved for education was spread around his community, state, nation and the world while doing extensive traveling. He was a good man and will always remain in our hearts. Curtis Hackney, Industrial Arts Ed. 1979 graduate.

To the family of Dr. Rayford L Harris Sr., I offer my sincere condolences. To me Dr. Harris was a father figure, confidant, awesome mentor, advisor, protector, and a light in a dark world. I wouldn't be where I am today in my professional life if it wasn't for his belief and support. Rest in Heaven Dr. Rayford Harris Sr. You will be greatly missed.
Roger Streat and Family (Class of 1988)

Our family wants to extend their deepest sympathies and love in the passing of Dr. Harris. Though we did not know him, we knew him through his amazing daughter Laurita. May he rest in peace and eternal light. All Our Love, Christina, Emily, and Maya Eaglin

It is with deep sadness that we received word of the passing of Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr. Each time Dr. Harris visited Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Heath Springs, SC, he carried a spirit of peace, humility, and one that reflected the love of Christ. God blessed Dr. Harris to share his wisdom and positively impact the lives of so many persons for 97 years. He truly fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished the course. May our Heavenly Father bless your soul with peace and comfort in this time of sorrow and grief.
~ Rev. Dr. B. L. Stinson, First Lady Reva T. Stinson, and the Stinson Family

Sis. Mable Mickle,
Rev. Dr. B. L. Stinson, First Lady Reva T. Stinson, the Deacon Ministry, and the members of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Heath Springs, SC, do humbly pause to mourn, honor, and celebrate the life of your brother, Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to you and the Harris family. May God continue to cover you and your family with His love, grace, and peace.

Rest In Peace, Dr. Harris. Sending condolences to the family.
Vincent and Margaret Roane

With deepest sympathy, please accept our condolences. Dr. Harris (Papa) has been a beacon of light, guidance and inspiration to me during our many past discussions about family, education, fraternity life, politics, finances, golfing and the advancement of Black People, just to name a few. My family and I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace and may God Bless his Soul. CARLTON WATKINS & Family

A life well lived! He let his voice do the singing. Eric & Ernestine Armstrong

My deepest condolences to the family. It was a pleasure to know Mr. Harris. I would walk pass his house, and he would be sitting on the porch. I would speak, and always say Brent's sister. He would call me to the steps, and I would be there for about an hour talking to him. He was a blessing to know. He will be missed.
Brenda Evans Wallace

A Life well lived and one to be remembered.

My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of a true legend at Virginia State University, Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr. Dr Harris was instrumental in my matriculation and development at Virginia State and helped lay the foundation for my career with the United States Army. I, along with so many others, stand on his shoulders. Dr. Harris' legacy lives on in all who were fortunate to know and learn from this great man. Our sincere condolences to Dr. Harris' family. With Deepest Sympathy, General and Mrs. Dennis L. Via (Ret) VSU Class of 1980

Sending sincerest,heartfelt and loving condolences to the Harris family. Dr. Harris was my mom's best and special friend.They met at Camden, SC's Mather Academy when she was 12 and he was 14. They traveled together to Mather reunions and talked by phone nearly every day. Mom and I truly loved Dr. Harris. We were very blessed and honored to have his kindness and wisdom in our lives for many years. Love, Henrietta Pope and Charmaine Clowney

Dr. Wilma Roscoe: Condolences are extended to you in the loss of your beloved brother. May God comfort and keep all family members and friends of Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr. Algeania W. Freeman, Ph.D.

In celebration to the Honorable Life of Dr. Rayford L. Harris, Sr. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow (Rayford Jr and Family). May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. RIP Dr.R.L. Harris,Sr. In Deepest Sympathy, Felicia Cotten

Dr. Harris was a very special person to me. Back in the mid 1960's, Dr. Harris and I would commute from Richmond to VSC. (yes it was VSC back then.) I was a young student and he wanted to assist me with transportation so I could achieve my goals of college. (I did not live on campus.) I am now retired after 30 years with GE Mgt which I know was directly attributed to my college studies and Dr. Harris. I express my heart filled sorry to his family during their time of sorrow. Henry Goodman (Atlanta)

Rest in peace, Bro. Thank you for taking me across the "Burning Sands". Chris Stevens

Dr. Harris was very instrumental in helping me choose a new career when I was seeking a job. I had always loved Industrial Arts , and being a teacher was my goal. With Dr Harris' guidance I was able to graduate from Virginia State College with a degree in Industrial Arts Education. He holds a special place in my heart, and I will always be grateful to him. Morris A Gordon VSU class of 1974 Chesterfield, VA

Rayford, Sr, was a kind, nice & family oriented man. I will always remember him as the man, who took good care of his wife, community activist, as well as a knowledgeable politician. He loved his Church. He is with the Lord. RIP, 🙏🏽✝️😇 Viesta Washington

I met Dr. Rayford Harris, while a student at Virginia State University in 1980. I worked for him as his part-time secretary. We immediately bonded a friendship that lasted until now. Whenever I had a problem, one of his favorite quotes to me was "You can't spend a wooden nickel." That quote has been with me ever since. I will always remember his words of wisdom, his advice, and friendship. My condolences to the family. Melissa Tatum-Garrett, Richmond, VA.

Rest in peace Rayford L Harris, Sr. a.k.a. Papa🏈🕵🏼‍♂️ you were a great man, you were like a father to me. Thx for all the wisdom ,knowledge and encouragement you gave me over the past 25 years you've been my life. We will continue your legacy. Johnise/Jdee Dupree

no words can express the sadness i feel right now mr. harris was a nice man i know his whole family his 2 daughters and his son mr. rayford harris jr.may the family find peace and comfort at this difficult time and to let go and let god WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHY MR. R. ROBERT T. MONTGOMERY