Celebrating the Life and Spirit of Ray A. Harris Ray A Harris was born December 28, 1953, to Hester Lee Harris and Willie Lee Smith, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ray is the oldest of eight siblings and was preceded in death by the youngest sibling, Kimberly Williams (nee Harris) in 2005. Ray grew up in the historic West End where he graduated from Robert A Taft High School. It is at High School where he met "the love of his life" Stephanie Harris (nee Logan). It was an immediate attraction for Stephanie, and Ray was soon intoxicated with Cupid's arrow – they dated 2 years before marrying in November 1974. They were married over 40 years before he departed this life on Friday, May 8, 2015. Ray obeyed the Gospel of Christ in September 1973. Both Ray and Stephanie were very active in the Body of Christ. Because of a mutual goal to be in the Lord's service, they decided to not have children. Instead, they nurtured and spoiled as many of their nearly 40 nieces and nephews that they could. Ray loved games, and was especially fond of Bid Whist. He and "the love of his life" were "formidable" players in the Cincinnati area and beyond, and they even won several tournaments. Ray was not always the "most gracious" winner, but over the years he did acquire humility and a broader appreciation for sportsmanship – but just don't tempt him by "bragging." Ray worked all his life until his disability October 2013. His favorite occupation was being a restaurant manager for a local chain. He boasted great sales, improved customer satisfaction due to excellent food and plate presentation, and was one of only a few managers who could be off on a Sunday due to efficient staff scheduling. Ray was always known as a "gentleman." Some of his personal endearments include: "The Big Chill," "The Cool Uncle," "Turkey," "Ray-Man", and "Pooh Bear" by his wife. Any football sports enthusiast knew that Ray was a "die-hard" Minnesota Viking fan. He was steadfast and unmovable with his devotion to the Vikings even though they have not (as he put it) "as yet" won a Super Bowl title. His wife often teased him regarding his initials with regard to the Vikings: "Whoo-RAH Vikings!" Ray also loved preaching from the Word of God – his favorite topic is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because he understood that it is "God's power to save" Romans 1.16. He preached that Gospel in numerous pulpits locally and across the region; assisted with various nursing home ministries, and officiated at numerous funerals. Ray is survived by "the love of his life", Stephanie M. Harris, his mother, Hester Lee Harris (83), six siblings: Carol Johnson, Victor Harris (Nancy), Michelle Glenn, Theresa Hall, William Harris (Kim), Linwood Harris, two uncles Sam Harris (Elaine) and Garner Harris, two sister-in-laws Jennifer Jackson (Eric) and Kimberly Logan, two brother-in-laws Anthony Logan, Sr. (Judy) and Lewis Logan, an innumerable host of cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and the Body of Christ. Ray's final words to "the Love of His Life" were: "Remember what your mother told you, Stephanie? She said live for her, remember? Now, I want you to live for me, baby? Do all the things you talked about doing, and do not look back." And then he quoted the scripture: "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course; therefore, there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me; and not to me only, but to all those who love His appearing." And he and the Lord started his transition. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the Gray Road Church of Christ, 4826 Gray Road, Cincinnati (45232). The Memorial Service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. In lieu of flower, the family suggest memorials to the charity of your choice. You may express online condolences at www.HerbWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to any of Ray's favorite charities: St. Vincent de Paul (for Winton Hills) Check Memo Line: SVdP "A Better Way Men's Group" 1125 Bank Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 St. Vincent de Paul (for Winton Hills) Check Memo Line: "Dreams: You Can Live Them" (Goal Setting Boot Camp) 1125 Bank Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 St. Vincent de Paul (for Winton Hills) Check Memo Line: SVdP GED Program 1125 Bank Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 City Link Center Check Memo Line: In Memory of Ray A. Harris 800 Bank Street Cincinnati, OH 45214 Walker Funeral Home - Cincinnati is serving the Harris family.

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