Bishop John H. Harris Sr.

DOVER - Bishop John H. Harris Sr., of Dover (Starhill), departed this life Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, in his home surrounded by his family. Johnny was born Jan. 28, 1942, to the late William and Dorothy Harris in Camden. He entered into Holy Matrimony to the former Virginia E. Gilbert on April 28, 1962. Johnny received his formal Education in Delaware. In 1982, he attended the Delaware State Police Academy and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In 1987, he matriculated at Wilmington College and Delaware Technical College in Dover, with a major in Criminal Justice. He also completed various courses in investigative procedures. Johnny was also the owner and operator of Johnny's Barbershop where he worked for 49 years. Johnny worked for the Department of Corrections for 28 years as an Administrative Advisor. He officially retired from this position on Aug. 1, 2003. While working in this capacity, he was able to witness and win many souls for Christ. Johnny Harris accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1968. He was a former member of M.F. Chase Unity Memorial Church, Bibleway Temple Church of God in Christ and Beacon Lighthouse Church and continued to serve as the Pastor of Hovington Faith Community Church, Woodside. In July 2003, Elder John Harris was appointed as General Overseer of United Independent Christian Fellowship. In February 2004, he was appointed as 3rd Presiding Bishop Elect of United Independent Christian Fellowship. He was consecrated a Bishop on July 31, 2004. Bishop Johnny Harris' last ministerial service was at Faith, Hope and Love Christian Fellowship of Milford under the leadership of Bishop Ralph R. Harmon. Bishop Harris and his wife, Elder Virginia Harris, were asked by Bishop Harmon to serve in the capacity of Spiritual Parents to the congregation, which they did both joyfully and honorably. Bishop Harris' preoccupations and hobbies included bowling, martial arts and umpire for little league. He began pitching horseshoes at an early age and started competing in the early 1990's. He was a member of the National Horseshoe Pitching Association and he was inducted into the 2008 Delaware Afro American Sports Hall of Fame. He went on to win tournament championships in the First State Horseshoe Club, First State Open, Summer Classic, Delaware State Men's Division, Kent County Parks and Recreation Conference and Spring Tournament. Auctioneering was a joy of his that opened up fellowship with many churches in the region. Musically he played the guitar and was a fan of quartet music. His strong abiding faith and joyful demeanor drew many to their own trust in God. Many souls in heaven are accounted to his witness. Bishop Harris was also an avid biker and rode with the "William Henry Rams Riders" and "I Am My Brother's Keeper" Clubs. Out of his love for riding was born a young men's ministry called "The Posse". Through the Posse he mentored several young men to faith in Christ. Bishop John H. Harris Sr. is preceded in death by one brother, Elder Emmett Harris; and four brothers-in-law; Arnold Sanders, Charles N. Gilbert, James F. Gilbert and Bobby Moore. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Virginia E. Harris of Dover; one daughter, Reverend Janet R. Quail (Reginald Sr.) of Felton; two sons, John H. Harris Jr. "Lucky" and Mark Steven Harris Sr. "Stevie" both of Dover; grandchildren, Brittney Ridgeway, Ratonya Quail, LaToya Harris, Reginald Quail II, Mark Steven Harris Jr. "Little Stevie", Tiana Harris and LaDayah Chapman, great granddaughter, Morgan J'Lynn Harris Woolfolk; four sisters, Annabelle Sanders, Dr. Myrtle I. Scott (Paul) of Dover, Willa M. Moore of Wyoming, Pastor Doreatha A. Quail (Benjamin) of Camden; two brothers, William A. Harris Jr. (Lorraine) and Norman Harris of Dover; two sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Malbon (Harold) of Virginia Beach, Va., Francine Gilbert of Dover; two brothers-in-law, Donald Gilbert (Mary) of Wilmington and Walter Gilbert of Dover; aunts, Mary Harris and Reba Fullman of Dover; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; Pastor and best friend, Bishop Ralph R. Harmon affectionately called "Homey" and spiritual son, Glenn Hilliard. Viewing will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, at Faith, Hope and Love Christian Fellowship 218 N. Rehoboth Blvd, Milford. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church on Route 8 Dover, where friends may view two hours prior. Burial will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.