William A. Harris Jr.

Brother William Arville Harris, Jr., was born November 18, 1940, in Camden, Delaware, to the late William A. Harris, Sr. and the late Dorothy A. Harris, the third of eight children, four boys and four girls. William peacefully received his wings and began his eternal life with our Lord and Savior on January 1, 2021. He was 80 years old. William attended Star Hill Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Junior High School and graduated from William Henry High School in Dover, Delaware, in 1959. He later went to engineering and drafting school. He worked initially as an electrician before joining the Dover Police Department in 1970, as one of their first African American police officers to join their force, making history. He served the community in that capacity for six years before joining Delaware State College as an electrician. William remained with the college as a senior electrician for 22 plus years, before retiring in 2002. In 1978, William joined the Masonic Lodge of Delaware, where he became a Past Master and Assistant Grand Organist of Delaware. Along his journey with the Masons, he was promoted in position to a Past Grand Master. William joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church in the early 1980’s with Reverend Clifton V. Holmes. He later joined Beacon Lighthouse Church with Pastor, Dr. Myrtle Scott, where he became Minister of Music and remained a member until his passing. William played for a multitude of churches and choirs throughout the area, spanning many years. He was always adamant that you sing on key and never hold a note too long!! He was saved and he loved the Lord! In 1962, William married his childhood sweetheart, Lillian Lorraine Caldwell. William loved to call her Lorraine. Through their lifelong union, came two beautiful and adored daughters, Donna Y. Mason and Tina L. Harris. While he was here, William enjoyed playing the piano and organ, boxing, race car driving, shooting pool, playing sports and watching numerous sports! And everyone knows, for him, the best football team to ever play was...his Philadelphia Eagles!! We can’t forget him with his video camera, recording at everyone’s family barbecues! Just when you thought you had gotten away from him, there he was, recording you and announcing that you were eating everything up, didn’t contribute, stealing food and putting it in your purse or pocket, or that you were too close to fit you in the camera!! Just terrible!! In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his brothers, the Presiding Elder Emmett Harris (DE) and the late Bishop John Harris. William leaves to cherish is memory, his beloved wife, Lillian Lorraine Harris; two daughters, Donna Y. Mason of DE and Tina Harris of VA; two beloved grandchildren, Amani C. Mason and Robert T. Mason; four sisters, Annabell Saunders (DE), Dr. Myrtle Scott (DE), Willa Moore (DE) and Elder Doretha Quail (DE); dearest and youngest brother, Deacon Norman Harris (DE); sister-in-law, Virginia Harris; and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins and lifelong friends. William is free from the troubles of this world. How deeply and profoundly we will miss him. He left us with such precious memories and he shall never be forgotten. We Love You, William!!

William A. Harris Jr.

November 18, 1940 - January 1, 2021