Walter James Harris

Walter James Harris passed away on February 21, 2017 after a long battle with cancer and other ailments. He was 76 years old. Walter was born in Ridgeway, SC on July 29, 1940 to Mack and Ophelia Jones Harris who both preceded him in death. Walter was preceded in death not only by his parents but his brother, George Evan and his sister, Bobby Harris Wells. His family relocated to High Point, NC in the 1950’s. He was educated in the public school system of Guildford County. He graduated from William Penn High School in 1960 and enlisted in the USAF the same year. While serving in the AF, he was stationed at several AF bases in the US. He was stationed in England, Thailand, Turkey, and Germany. He received several service awards and medals. He received the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with PALM and Campaign Medal. In 1971 he was served in the 89th Air Lift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base until his retirement at the rank of Technical Sergeant in 1980. After Walter retired from the Air Force he was employed at the White House Mail Room. When he left the White House he continued working in the mail room at the Department of Defense (DOD) as a supervisor for the US Army Materiel Command. In 1962 Walter married Patricia Anne Culbruth Hall. From this union they had two sons, three grand-daughters and one great grand-daughter that were the joy of his life. During his leisure time, Walter enjoyed playing cards, watching baseball (Washington Nationals), basketball (University of North Carolina), football (Washington Redskins) and westerns. Walter enjoyed being a member of the Pointers Club and watching football with the “guys” on Sunday afternoon. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 54 years, Patricia A. Harris, two sons, Kelvin W. Harris (Tanika) and Tyrone E. Harris, three grand-daughters, Serina N. Harris, Alicia M. Harris and Kendra P. Harris and one great grand-daughter, Kyndel A. Harris; one sister Mary Harris Ingram of Fuquay Varina, NC and one brother Caesar E Harris (Demitrius) of Kernersville, NC as well as many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. We wish to thank all of the caregivers and helpers who cared for him like family over the last several months. Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Ebenezer AME Church, 7707 Allentown Road, Ft. Washington, MD. The viewing will began at 10:00am and the service will be held at 11:00am. Burial with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Walter James Harris please visit our Sympathy Store.