Raymond Harris, Sr. was born August 14, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest boy of ten children born to the late Kenneth and Matilda Harris, educated in thePhiladelphia School system. Raymond transitioned peacefully into internal life on Wednesday,
December 24, 2025.

Raymond worked as a truck driver for Young & Jeffrey Oil Company, Donald Beer Distributor, and Smiler Company for several years with his brother, Emmett. Also, he worked for Barett Roofing Company (Celotex) as a shop steward.

Raymond married Carolyn A. Green, the love of his life, in 1963, and together they had three sons, Raymond Harris Junior, Kenneth Harris, and Matthew Trent Harris.

Raymond accepted Christ at an early age attending Williams Temple CME church. He sang in the men's choir. He served as a trustee, usher, and Men's Day chairman.

Raymond was so moved by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech that he memorized it and frequently charmed others by reciting the entire speech. He enjoyed making family films and showing them to others while reminiscing.

After retiring, he was a long-time resident of Reba A. Brown. He worked as the Uber driver for the residents. He was well-known as the mayor of The Grays Ferry Pathmark.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Matilda and Kenneth Harris, Sr., two brothers, Kenneth Harris, Jr., and Emmett Harris. Six sisters: Elizabeth, Lorraine, Kathryn, Edith, Henrietta, and Alberta. One daughter-in-law, Janeen Harris.

He leaves to mourn four children, Raymond (Shwanna) Harris, Jr., Kenneth (Denise) Harris, Matthew Trent (Bonita) Harris, Chauntey (Steven) Johnson. Eleven grandchildren, Marcus, Rylan, Jordan, Keyana, Alana, Amariyah, Tyesha, Sa'diq, Pharoah, Pilar, and Georgio. Five
great-grands, Markyra, Malaya, Marly, Khari, and Mayana. One great great-grand Sy'Jae, one sister, Mary Fulton, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.