Leon O. Harris

Master Sergeant Leon Ortho Harris, Jr., departed this life "Suddenly" on Monday, August 26, 2013, in Lusby, Maryland; where he was spending time with his brother, James. Leon was born on November 13, 1943 in Harlem, New York, to the late Leon Obayne Harris, Sr. and Vivian L. Castelle. He was educated through the Harlem, New York School District. He remained in New York until the early 80's. In the early 80's, Leon moved to Rahway, New Jersey. While attending community college in Cranford, NJ, he met his wife, Dorothea Moore on Valentine's Day. It was love at first sight on his part. Leon pursued Dorothea for three years before she agreed to marry him on August 30, 1986. They were married for 27 years. After graduating from High School, Leon joined the Army National Guard for a short period of time. In 1962, Leon joined the United States Air Force; where he proudly served for 26 years. He retired as a Master Sergeant. Leon was the recipient of many distinguished awards and medals including: the Air Force Meritorious Achievement Award, Humanitarian Service Award for U.S. Armed Forces, Air Force LGY Service Award (4x), National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Special Training Ribbon and numerous others. While growing up, Leon was a spectacular, all-around athlete. He was very competitive. He excelled especially in track and field. He loved to engage in a rousing game of stickball on the asphalt streets of Harlem. He was also an aquatic buff that loved to swim. Leon also enjoyed pinochle; where he was an individual champion and team player, winning several pinochle tournaments locally and regionally. He also enjoyed playing Chess and other board games in which he was extremely competitive. Many who knew him were aware of his passion as a photographer. He was often seen with a camera in hand capturing life's moments. He was preceded in death by step-son, Sean Moore. To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife, Dorothea Harris; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Lisa Harris, Kimberly Johnson (Roy), Yolanda Rabun (Derek), Rashida Franklin (Thomas) and Taifa Harris (Paul); three sons and one daughter-in-law, David Harris, Damian Ortho Harris and Leon "Chucky" Obayne Harris, III (Kim); step-children, LaRonda Moore, Warren Moore and Daniel Moore; four sisters, Deborah Davis, Robbin Rogers, Karen Freeman (Matthew) and Babette Harris (Martin); one brother, James Butler; twelve grandchildren, Christian, Alia, Esiah, Miles, Issac, William, Jordan, Allaya, Sierra, Zachary, Keala and Reyna; step-grandchildren, Britney Butler, Shaunyce Bethea, Daniel Moore, Jr., and his brother, Joshua, Warren Moore, Jr., and his brother, Darius; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends; including his spiritual god-mother, Ms. Kauffman, known to Leon as "Mom." Leon will always be remembered as a quiet, gentle, loving man who enjoyed life to the fullest and a man who truly loved his family and friends

Leon O. Harris

November 13, 1943 - August 26, 2013