Raymond S. Harris, Jr.

Ricky passed away Wednesday May 15, 2024, in Hospice Care at Sibley Memorial Hospital after a long battle with dementia. He was the first-born son of Gertie Simms Harris(deceased) and Raymond S. Harris Sr.(deceased). Husband of Arnita Maria Harris, brother of Gregg C. Harris(deceased) wife Evelyn, and Phillip Harris(deceased). He was the loving father of Kia Harris Birdsong, Raymond S. Harris III, wife Leah, and stepfather to Chon Ficklin Davis. He was uncle to Angela and Arlando Harris as well as a grand-father and step-grand-father.

Ricky, an original Washingtonian, grew up in northeast where he attended public schools including Taft Junior High and Mckinley Technical High School. He was an award-winning member of the Cadet Corp, instructor of the Girls Rifle Team, where he met his future wife, Arnita, and also was awarded for several architectural designs as a member of the Future Architects of America.

He graduated from Hampton Institute, where he achieved, after a grueling five-year program, a bachelor’s degree in architecture and subsequently graduated from Lincoln University where he earned a master’s degree in human services.

Ricky was a people person, a talker, and because of that he worked most of his life in public service at the state government level as director and associate director of several agencies in New Jersey and Prince George’s County. He was a good-time Charlie who had many friends and was well liked. He never met a “party” he didn’t like. His love of golf was legendary, and he was good at it. He loved Hawaii where he lived with Arnita for several years and played famous courses all over the islands and the mainland. Ricky was a cat man, and he loved his fur babies. His cat “Bear” still grieves and is still waiting for him to come home.

With respect to his final wishes, no formal services were held. We miss him greatly and wish to tell all who knew him that he loved you, that he wishes you health, happiness and lives well lived.