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Raymond Mac Harris Sr was born on Saturday September 14, 1946 to Adrain Raymond and Thelma Frances (McWilliams) Harris in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at Wesley Hospital. Raymond departed from this world on Wednesday April 1, 2015 at the age of 68 while surrounded by his family at home.
He was raised in Oklahoma City and attended Oklahoma City Public Schools graduating from Harding High School in 1964. After graduating, he attend the University of Oklahoma. While growing up he was an active dancer at the John Lee Dance Studio where he spent a large portion of his time. He also helped with the family business, Harris Laundry and Coronado Cleaners. In 1967 he enlisted in the Air Force as a medic. He met his wife Margaret Sinclair in 1968 and they were married in the First Baptist Church of Clinton, Oklahoma on August 8, 1969. Shortly after being married they were sent to Great Falls, Montana to serve their country at Maelstrom Air Force Base. In 1971 they moved back to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to continue to help with the family business. In 1983 he began to sell insurance which he continued until 2007 when he began to work at CBRE as a Critical Systems Analyst.
Raymond and Margaret welcomed their first child, Nikki in 1974, their second, Raymond Jr. in 1976, and their third, Catherine in 1989. Raymond was a dedicated family man who loved his wife and children dearly. Raymond served as an active deacon at both Mayfair Baptist Church and Council Road Baptist Church. He also touched many lives as he taught Sunday School for more than 25 years and definitely possessed the gift of teaching. He also found himself inclined to find time to scuba dive and fish on a regular basis.
In 2009 Raymond began a battle against colorectal cancer. His battle included numerous surgeries (including one at MD Anderson). He also underwent numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Through his battle he and his family had the great privilege and honor of trusting his treatment to several doctors who would become some of his biggest supporters, including Dr. Robert Reynolds, Dr. Chad Thompson and Dr. Christian Ellis. The family would like to extend gratitude to both of these doctors and everything they did for Raymond.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, his brother, his sister, 2 sister-in-laws, 3 brother-in-laws, 1 niece, 5 nephews, and a few close friends. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret (Marti), his daughter Nikki and her husband Jeremy Lilje, his son Raymond Harris Jr and his wife Julie, his daughter Catherine and her husband Chris Allen. As well as his 5 grandchildren: Sebastian, Emma, Harrison, Cooper, and Hutton, 6 brother-in-laws, 6 sister-in-laws, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a thank you to everyone that has been on this journey with us and for the support they have shown. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the benevolence fund or the preschool department at Council Road Baptist Church.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Council Road Baptist Church loacated at 2900 N Council Rd, Bethany, Oklahoma 73008
Annette McElroy says
Raymond had a servants heart for the children at CRBC with his tireless abounding spirit. He and Marti were a team in making a difference with everyone that they would come in contact. Raymond never met a stranger…he was the perfect person to greet a new family to make them feel at ease. Most of all, you could see the devotion for his family. When he would talk about his kids and grand kids…his face would light up…….family meant the world to him. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside Raymond and look forward to seeing him again some day……in heaven.
Jan and Ron Edwards says
Uncle Ray was a very special man. He was so sincere in everything he did. His love for the Lord was amazing. I hope the family knows how special he was to us all. May the Lord bless the family and give them strength. He will definitely be missed. Love always, Ron and Jan
Trisha Sims says
Raymond and Marti gave many volunteer hours to PTA over the years. They were so special!
Kelly King says
I still remember Raymond teaching Conner Bible drill. He prepared all of the children so well and it was a joy to see them compete and recite God’s word. I’m thankful for his investment in the lives of others. Our family will continue to pray for the family as they celebrate Raymond’s life.
Pam Coles says
Raymond and Marti have always been there for my daughter and me for the past 20 years. He always introduced my daughter, Amber, as his godchild. Marti and Raymond have been the greatest of friends. Raymond was a great Sunday school teacher, prayer warrior, mentor, advisor, encourager and a true friend. I will miss him greatly. I am so blessed to have known him and will always be thankful for their friendship. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you the most. I love you guys.
Linda Myers says
It didn’t surprise me at all when I saw that in lieu of flowers, the Harris family asked that donations be made to benevolence or preschool ministry at CRBC! It was our joy and privilege to work along side Raymond and Marty for 10 years at CRBC in the Preschool Ministry. They were always our best supporters! Always there! Always making a difference! Always smiling and welcoming! Always! What a wonderful truth to know that we can look forward to spending ALWAYS in Heaven with Raymond someday.
Bob&Phyllis Parnell says
So sorry to hear of Raymond passing He was a good man
Janet Sinclair says
In all of my life, I have never met anyone that had such a positive, courageous spirit!! Every time that he would speak with me about his battle, he would say without a shadow of a doubt that he was going to win this fight, no questions asked!! He dearly loved his family, that was quite obvious, and he dearly loved fishing as well, although, not quite as much! But he took great joy when he could combine the two when he would take his family out on the boat, fishing. They would stay out all day and come back tired and sunburned, but so happy. Early the next day, they’d be out on that lake, doing it all over again. He was always up for family fun and they made many happy memories throughout the years. I’m so thankful that I had the privilege to have him in my life!
Pam Northcutt says
I have great memories of Raymond and Marti. They were always willing to help in any capacity at church and do whatever was asked of them. I will NEVER forget them coming to my home after my divorce and bringing ice cream and loving on me. Raymond was always kind and never let any of us feel unworthy. He loved his wife and kids and we all knew it. I love you Raymond and the family!!
mel & Shirley Sparks says
Great Friend.
David & Debbie Baldwin says
We met Ray & Marti at Council Road Baptist Church. We agreed to help them teach 5th grade Sunday School. Ray was very confident and dedicated to teaching children. He became a true friend during this time and was always so helpful, caring and encouraging. He always put his whole heart into everything he did – always went the extra mile. We think so much of the whole Harris family.
Janie Harris says
I am so sorry to just find out about Raymond’s passing and send my love to all his family. He was a perfectly boisterous and friendly man, and I enjoyed all my time with him and Marti as well as his children and siblings and parents back in the day. The Harris family was like family to me in so many ways and Raymond was a treasure. Always a gentleman. God bless you Marti and all the family. Much love, Janie Harris