Early R. Harris

Early Roosevelt Harris was born on Tuesday January 11, 1938, to the late James Harris Sr and Martine Pitts in Decatur GA. Early departed this life, at the age of 87 on Tuesday February 18, 2025, in his home with the support from his family. Known by his family and friends as “Bo,” he was a very strong-willed man and firmly believed that quitting or giving up was not an option, and so, he fought the good fight until the very end. He would tell stories of living in the South during his youth, about how he would walk several miles to school whilst only having one pair of shoes. His family had to walk to an outhouse to relieve themselves with no streetlights and using newspaper in place of toilet paper. They had to be extra cautious because sometimes the outhouse would be infiltrated by snakes. The well down the street from Early’s childhood home was their only water supply. They would haul water to bathe with and chop firewood to heat the water. Not having the luxuries of today made him strong and have a desire to achieve. He was no stranger to hard work.

Early in life he was married to Eloise…in Atlanta GA and out of that marriage came 4 children. He later moved to Cleveland OH where he was married to Velma Pullom for 36 years and out of that marriage came 2 children. Towards his later years he found companionship with his friend Jerdine “Jeri” Jones. While in Cleveland he was employed at St Lukes Hospital for over 30 years as an orderly in the surgical area. He maintained friendship with staff there until the present day. Not only did he maintain stable employment he always kept several streams of income on the side. He was a security guard for local churches. In the winter months he plowed snow, sometimes taking his children along to watch him as he worked. He spent time serving as a landlord and for a good many years he owned his own auto repair shop. Anyone who really knows him knew he could fix anything. Even at the age of 86 he was still underneath the hood of a car or pulling apart his riding lawnmower. Early enjoyed his breakfast at the Cracker Barrel and loved sweets ranging from butter pecan ice cream to sweet potato pie. He made sure he kept up with current events as CNN was on every morning. He had a passion for travelling with his family in his RV, and went may places across the US and Canada. Later in life, he began an antique model car collection which he was very proud of. He even tried his hand at playing the electric guitar and you couldn’t tell him he didn’t belong on the stage. He was a “jack of all trades” for he knew something about everything. Although he was a man of little words, whatever he spoke meant something & he always offered his wisdom. He was not a telephone talker & he may have never called you but it didn’t mean he wasn’t thinking of you. It was just his way. Dad always said that he was blessed with the life he had lived, and he could not complain. Although he was not a church goer, he was spiritual and believed in the lord. He was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was the youngest of 8 siblings whom all proceeded him in death along with his parents, James Sr & Martine Harris; brother, James Harris Jr; sisters, Lillie Preston, Luvenia Carter, Thelma Gresham, Sara Foster, Emma (Becky) Jordan, and Janie Bell Harris.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: One son, Early Harris Jr. Six daughters, Lisa Roseberry (Tim), Kathy Miller, Stephanie Scott(Adophus), Terrie Saunders(David), Renea Harris Carnes(Acy), and Natia Mckenney. Fourteen grandchildren: Karwyn Thompson, Tarreka Green, Timothy Dion Roseberry, Taylor Roseberry, Ashley Carnes, Lesley Carnes-Young, Quintin Jenkins II, Aniyah Grayson, Brandon Miller, Bria Miller,, Messiah Gilmore, Tamia Gilmore, Karmyn Gilmore, and Omar Gilmore. Eleven great grandchildren: Mya Williams, Marcus Williams, Marius Williams (proceeded in death), Pearce Thompson, Jazlyn Menuel, Jordan Pass, Karwyn Thompson Jr, Jashawn Thompson, Treasure Powell, Legyn Thompson, Loyal Thompson; One great-great grandchild: Zayden Gresham. Special thank you to Jerdine “Jeri” Jones(friend) and her entire family, Eddie…and Erik…(neighbors) for going above and beyond in support of our father.

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