Clarence "Bro" Harris, Jr. Obituary in Opelika at Harris Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Clarence "Bro" Harris, Jr.

Mr. Clarence Harris, Jr. 1943 - 2019

Clarence was born in Lee County, Alabama to the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence, Sr. & Mary Mattie Tignor Harris on March 9, 1943. He passed away Monday, December 16, 2019 at his home in Opelika, AL. He was 76.

Clarence attended and graduated from J.W. Darden High School Class of 1963. He met and married Minnie Pearl Fitzpatrick and this union was blessed with three children, Charlotte Denise, who preceded him in death, Jeffery Allen and Jarvis Ramon.

He worked for many years at Flowers Bakery Company where he was a Truck Driver and later retired as the Warehouse Supervisor.

Over the years, he grew concerned about the surroundings and activities (good and bad) in his community and felt the need to do something about it. He developed a passion for helping others.

In April of 1991, he was elected Councilman for Ward 2, a seat vacated by Commissioner George C. Bandy. Councilman Harris went on to be re-elected four times, in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. Councilman Harris served as President Pro-tem for two different terms, a total of eight years. Councilman Harris worked with three different Mayors and several different City Councils to help the citizens of Ward 2. He voted for various road projects, economic development agreements, sewer and drainage projects that benefited all the citizens of Opelika. He also served on the Lee Russell Council of Government Board.

He went on to serve for seventeen and a half years before retiring November 3, 2008, receiving numerous awards and recognitions for his many years of service and accomplishments.

His favorite daily saying was: “I am so blessed and to God be the Glory”

Clarence Harris represents the continued journey to achieve Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision for America. He has demonstrated that he supported Dr. King’s philosophy and teachings and has actively contributed to the improvement of civil rights and/or human rights, particularly in matters that have positively affected the Opelika community.

Funeral service will be Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 12:00 noon, at Saint Mark A.M.E. Church, 4141 Lee Road 162, Opelika, AL 36801 with interment in Evergreen Cemetery, followed by a Repast at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center, Reverend Jonathan Benton will officiate.

Public viewing will be Wednesday, December 18, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The family will receive guest from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Mr. Harris will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the service.

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I have many memories, but I would just like to share that his teachings is what drew me back to Sunday school as a young adult, I can still remember some of his personal favorites today. Most of the time he wanted to open up with "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" and I would love singing it with him we would harmonize so beautifully. Forever Love Jackie

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Our deepest condolences and prayers to our Family.With much L❤️VE,Cousins DorothyHarris MabsonWoody and Family

Please accept my sincere condolences. It pains the heart deeply when a loved one fall asleep in death. Our loving Heavenly Father can give you comfort. " He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces."-Isaiah 25:8. Jehovah also promise a resurrection for our dead loved ones. " I have hope toward God...that there is going to be a resurrection."-Acts 24:15

My sympathy, condolences, but most importantly, my prayers are extended to the Harris family, in this hour sorrow. Continue to be encouraged.
Omar R. Vinson Dacula, Ga

Condolences to the family.May God continue to bless each and every one of you.RIP Clarence.He never was too busy to lend a listening ear or to give good advice.

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I PRAY GOD PEACE BE UPON THE FAMILY, MAY HE CONFRONT AND KEEP YOU IS MY PRAYER VICKIE WILLIAMS AND FAMILY

From James & Mary Stinson and Family: We pray the love of God enfolds you during your difficult times and He helps you heal with the passage of time. Our prayers are with you. May God continue to strengthen and bless you.

It is with concern, care and the conviction of genuine love; that I express deep sadness upon this announcement of (Uncle) Clarence having passed. I often recall that no matter when or where one would meet him he was seemingly; somehow, always fully prepared with a “ready-right now” way to meet you at you need. Whether it was a funny story or some good ole’ helping you get your thinking back on track for doing what was right. We do thank God for you, the family for having shared him with us, for the better. Dixon & Bynum Family Jeremiah 31:3

My family send condolences, prayers and love to the family. We are sorry for your loss. Levonnia, Rita, Dale and Hattie

Our Continued Prayers And Condolences To The Harris Family. The Stinson Family

Praying for peace and comfort to be with that Harris family, during this difficult time. -Moss & Willis Family

Our condolences to the Harris family and we will keep you in our prayers. May God grant you peace and strength during this loss.

Pastor Anthony Shealey & the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and the Community of Loachapoka sends our condolences and prayers to the family of Mr Clarence Harris Jr.

Condolences to the family , continue to look to the hills doing this times and the days to comes. Betty King

"Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you" Charles and Henrietta Wright Woodbridge, VA

May God comfort you and the family during these difficult times Joe and Mary Lewis Ozark,Al

Mr. Clarence was truly a blessing to all that came in contact with him. I've known him since I was a little girl growing up on Lee Street. My grandmother Sarah Edwards was one of his oldest and dearest friends. I remember how he looked at her and smiled when I took her to see him. It was a blessing to see them two talk about the old days. Mr. Clarence will truly be missed. Mrs. Minnie, Jeffery, Ramon and the rest of the family, I may not be there with you all physically, just know that I'm there spiritly. -Denise Edwards, Dallas, Texas

My favorite memory of this wonderful man was that he was my friend. I'll never forget he invited my wife Carol and myself to the open house for the Harris Funeral Home of which he was so very proud. He greeted us upon arrival, took us throughout the building then told us to come partake of some refreshments. The line, to no surprise stretched far and even into another part of the building. Clarence walked us right up to the table and said, "Steve you and Ms.Carol get yourselves some refreshments." We felt like we were his guests of honor. We'll see you again one day my dear friend. Prayers and heartfelt sympathy for the family. Steve & Carol Elrod

Minster. Williard. Lewis. John:14:3-8

From Mike, Lisa and Earl:Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement. May God pour his blessing upon you.

From the Staff of Taylor Funeral Home: We share in your sorrow and may you find comfort in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We pray God will comfort and strengthen you during this time of bereavement. Our prayers are with you and may God continue to strengthen and bless you now and always.