Leroy Jefferson Harris
December 23, 1930 - September 29, 2012
Leroy Jefferson Harris a loving husband, father and friend, who never treated anyone as a stranger - died at his home on September 29, 2012. He joined his Heavenly Father on a lovely, warm autumn day surrounded by family and friends. He was 81 years old and succumbed after battling a long illness that included acute peripheral artery disease, stroke, severe arthritis and spine degeneration.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Northwestern Funeral Chapel at 6630 West Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218. Dr. Reginald D. Terry, senior pastor at Springdale Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee will deliver the eulogy and Pastor Robert Angel of Redemption Baptist Church of Milwaukee will deliver words of comfort for family and friends. A visitation hour will be held from 4:00 5:00 p.m. A home going service officiated by Rev. Llewellyn E. Terry, Sr., pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas - will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012, 1:00 3:30 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church, 312 East Oakland Street, Monticello, Arkansas. Internment will take place at Campground Cemetery.
Leroy was born in Monticello, Arkansas to Arthur and Velma Harris. He was the youngest of four children. He began his early education at Plantersville School in Drew County Arkansas. He graduated from Merrill High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He attended Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. During WWII Leroy moved with his mother to Portland Oregon. It was here he was trained and worked in his lifelong trade as a welder in the shipyards in Vancouver, Washington. Returning to Arkansas, he later traveled north during the Great Migration from the South to find work in the Midwest. He was an industrious man and never shied away from hard work, often working two jobs.
He honorably served his country during the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant, moving critical equipment as a supply truck driver. Leroy was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his service to his country. He enjoyed sharing stories with his family about his experiences in the military and his fellow servicemen.
He began his professional career as a welder for the Milwaukee Railroad in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he as he elected to the position of treasurer as a shop steward. While simultaneously holding down a full time job, he caught the entrepreneurial bug and became a small business owner. He opened and managed his own gas station and auto repair shop, a venture that allowed him to focus on his passion for cars. All who knew Leroy can tell you he always had the prettiest of cars. He never gave a second thought to putting them into high gear and tearing up the gravel roads of Arkansas. Wherever he drove, heads turned in admiration at the custom paint and body work he did. whether speeding down dirt country roads or touring the streets of auto capital of the world (Detroit).
He retired after suffering from the first of two stokes during his lifetime. His joy other than friends and family included hunting, growing his own vegetables and sporting events. Among his favorite things to do while relaxing was watching Westerns, wildlife programs, reading maps and apprising himself of current and national news. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and simple humorous every-day conversation.
Leroy joined the church at an early age. He was a christen man, who believed in never trying to cheat another person. He attended the former Fellowship United Church of Christ in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in his later years he attended church at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church as his health permitted.
Leroy was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Johnnie Mae (Harvey) and his youngest son Ricky Van Harris. He is survived by his daughter Angelisa Harris of Chicago, Illinois and his daughter Sheila Harris and sons Leroy Harris, Jr. (Tami) and Stanley Harris (Barbara) and grandchildren Rashad, Bria and Stanley, Jr. all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is also survived by his sister Evelyn Marie Brown of Rancho Cordova, California and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, all of whom he cherished. He is preceded in death by his parents: Arthur Harris, Velma Harris (Gonder) and siblings: Cornelia and Ora
In recognition of his gregarious and friendly nature, random greetings to strangers and acts of kindness for family and friends are encouraged. The family joins him in expressing thanks and gratitude to all that supported him through his health battles including a team of outstanding doctors, nurses and other professionals at the Clement J. Zablocki Veteran's Administration Hospital and friends and family too numerous to list who kept him in prayer.
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