Richard Harris

Richard Ray Harris was born April 7, 1928 to the late Bessie E. Wilson and Melvin Harris in Detroit, Michigan. Richard had other siblings; brother Barry Doyle Harris. His three sisters Mayme L. Harris, Katherine Williams, and Betty Palmer whom he loved very much, all preceded him in death.

Richard knew God at an early age, and is thankful God gave him his parents. His mother, who he honored and adored, gave him his love for music, fishing, and reading. As a child Richard enjoyed going to the main library to read books on all of the things that he was interested in. He graduated from Northeastern High School in 1946, from the Detroit Institute of Technology in 1950, and Detroit College of Law in 1968. Richard was employed as a private practice Probate attorney for over 47 years and was one of the leading Probate attorneys in Detroit. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a Level 13 Supervisor one of the first Black field supervisors at his branch. He also worked many years as an instructor and later as an attorney for Lewis College of Business.

Richard married his “beloved” Marjorie Gillespie in 1965. Richard loved Marjorie deeply, a love story that has lasted over 50 years. He truly cherished all the great moments that he shared with his Beloved. Richard was a devoted Christian and studied his bible everyday, and would cross check his facts with multiple translations of the bible. He also enjoyed art, playing the harmonica, going to the movies, playing chess and checkers, watching CNN on television, and spending quality time with his grandson, Jaden.

Richard R. Harris made his transition on December 8, 2015 and is survived by his loving wife Marjorie Harris, his sons: Frank (Gail) Gillespie, Grant (Sandra) Gillespie, Jason (Tamasha) Harris; brother Barry D. Harris; grandchildren: Danielle Shield-Banks, Mercedes Wynn, Nicole Williams, Patricia Gillespie, Frank Gillespie V, Grant Gillespie Jr., Garrison Gillespie, Gavin Gillespie, and Jaden Harris; six great-grandchildren; and his loyal childhood friend of 81 years, Dr. Peter Slaughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his daughters Michael Shields, Dewilda Harris, and son Gordon Gillespie. His legacy kindness and generosity will continue to live on through those of us that have had the honor of knowing Richard R. Harris.