Henry Louis Harris, Sr.

Henry Louis Harris, Sr. was born January 14, 1938, in Crofton, Kentucky to the late Henry Preston and Opal Adell Harris. He received his educational foundation through the Crofton, Kentucky School System. As a young man, in 1956 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp., serving faithfully for 12 years. While in the military, Henry was stationed in many duty stations across the United States and served in the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged in 1968.

While serving in the military, Henry met and married the love of his life, Miss Ruby Mae Pierce. They united in holy matrimony on June 13, 1960, in Portsmouth, Virginia and were happily married for 63 years. James 5:16 tells us that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”  Stories were shared that while Henry was serving in the Vietnam War, his wife Ruby and his oldest sister Zelphia Mae Anderson prayed him home. His late pastor, George W. Anderson often spoke about how Ruby went around the church on her knees asking God to save her husband. The Lord answered her prayers, and Henry dedicated his life to the Lord. Henry began running for the Lord and never looked back.

Henry became a member of Knox Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor James Knox. After the demise of Elder Knox, Elder George W. Anderson became pastor. The churches name was later changed to Anderson Temple Church of God in Christ and later Brighter Day Anderson Temple Church of God in Christ.  Henry worked faithfully in many capacities serving as Chairman of the Deacons Board, Chairman of the Pastor’s Anniversary, Anniversary Team Captain, Sunday School Superintendent, chef for numerous church dinners and fundraisers along with whatever tasks his hands found to do. Known for his famous mac and cheese, barbecue, fried fish, chicken, and other dishes too many to name, he was blessed with the gift of cooking which made him one of the best chefs in the Kentuckiana area. Henry fulfilled the biblical mandate of feeding God’s people naturally and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ spiritually with those who encountered him.

Henry was an humble and honorable man, a diligent worker, a man of integrity, and an excellent provider for his family. He instilled the importance of a strong work ethic, not only in his children, but in other youth by employing them to deliver newspapers on his paper route.  This was a help in training his children and other youth on money management and simply how to work.

Professionally, Deacon Harris was a loyal employee at Jeffboat, retiring after over 25 years of dedicated service making an impact in the various roles he held.

On Friday, November 8, 2024, Henry went home to be with the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Opal Harris, wife of 63 years, Ruby Mae Harris, son, Shawn Norvell Harris, siblings, Louella Anderson, Zelphia Mae Anderson, and George Harris. His brother’s in-law, Pastors George W. Anderson and James Anderson, James Sheckles, and sister’s in-law Terry Harris and Sarah Rockett also preceded him in death.

Henry leaves to cherish his memory three daughters:  Darlene M. Leavell, Diane J. Harris, and Constance D. Harris, two sons:  Henry L. Harris, Jr. (Dawn), and George L. Harris, Sr.; loving baby sister, Cozella Sheckles; 6 grandchildren, Mia, Staci (Jharod), LaShawntae, George Jr., EJ, and Ava, 3 great-grandchildren, Brayden, Paris, and Braylen, special daughter, Kenyatta Black, and special granddaughter, Kennedi Battle.  He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Brighter Day Church family, and many friends!

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15th from 4pm until 8pm and Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10am until 11am.

Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11am. The burial 

will be at Eastern Cemetery.

Memories of Henry and messages of support for the family can be shared at www.LegacyKentuckiana.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry’s memory may be made to Brighter Day Anderson Temple Church of God in Christ.

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