Donald “Ray” Harris, 77, of Burlington, died Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
He was born Aug. 20, 1946, in Tulsa, Okla., and was the son of Willie and Ida Mae Pouncil Harris. He married the love of his life, Margo Parrish, on Nov. 25, 1987, in Tulsa, Okla.
He attended Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Okla.
Ray would then go on to work for Champion Spark Plug for 30 years, where he handled a multitude of responsibilities along with being a proud Union Rep and Grievance Fighter.
Ray attended Heritage Baptists Church and was a St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church member. He was known for numerous acts of charity; such as starting a food pantry and working for United Way. After Margo, some of his other loves were golfing, fishing, hunting, playing dominoes, listening to music, watching Western movies, and last but not least he was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Margo Harris of Burlington; his children, Travares (Jennifer) Harris of Minneapolis, Minn., Shayla Harris of Plymouth, Minn., Deanna Lewis of Milwaukee, WI, Harry (Trisha) Lewis of Newton, and James Lewis of Semi Valley, Calif.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Odessa Burkhaulter of Tulsa, Okla., Cathy Harris of Tulsa, Okla., and Dianna Kaye Harris of Tulsa, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two children, Donald Ray Harris Jr. and Nina Harris, granddaughter DeAndrya Harris, his five brothers, Bobby, Willie Jr., Earnest, Wilbert, and Michael Harris, and sister Maybelline Harris, Alden Harris, Alire Rogene, and Marilyn Harris.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. with the family to receive friends Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service.
The funeral service for Mr. Harris will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. A repast will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church following the service. Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory following the service.
A memorial has been established.