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Celebrating the Life of Apostle Dr. Robert Edward Lee Harris, Sr.

May 18, 1937 – December 23, 2024

Apostle Dr. Robert Edward Lee Harris, Sr., a devoted servant of the Lord, loving husband, father, and community leader, peacefully departed this life on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on May 18, 1937, in Hernando, Mississippi, he was the second eldest of six children born to the late Reverend Robert Harris, Jr., and the late Missionary Georgia M. Boone (Maybelle) Harris. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Calvin Harris.

A Life Rooted in Faith

Apostle Harris's spiritual journey began at the tender age of 9 when he confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Traveling alongside his mother, Missionary Georgia Harris, he ministered throughout Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, spreading the Gospel and embracing Holiness. His calling deepened during a revival where he was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. From that moment, his heart's desire was to serve God and preach the Gospel.

In 1960, Apostle Harris married his queen and life partner, Laura Elizabeth (Teach) Renfroe Harris. Together, they committed their lives to ministry and were known for their unwavering faith and dedication. Their journey began at Hemlock Church of God in Christ (now known as Tucker's Temple COGIC), then under the leadership of SuperintendentCharles S. Tucker. Apostle Harris received his Minister's License in 1960 by Superintendent Tucker and was ordained as an Elder by Bishop A.B. McEwen in1964.

A Visionary Shepherd

In 1972, Apostle Harris answered God's call to establish his own ministry. Revelation Temple COGIC was born, first located on Park Avenue and later expanding to a larger facility at 435 W. Raines Road in the Westwood community. After 5 years, the Church was reorganized under the name Greater Revelation Temple Deliverance Holiness Church Inc. Under his leadership, the church became a pillar of light and hope, offering dynamic services, Gospel Tent revivals, and impactful outreach programs.

Apostle Harris was a trailblazer in spreading the Word of God through media, hosting "Moments of Revelation" on KWAM Radio and television channel 17 in the greater Memphis area.

His messages of faith and encouragement reached countless souls, solidifying his role as a spiritual leader in the community.

After decades of dedicated service, Apostle Harris retired from pastoring but continued to support other ministries. He collaborated with respected leaders, including Pastor Dr. Lemon T. Frye, Sr., (Holy Trinity COGIC), Pastor James Salton, (Prayer House of Deliverance) Supt. Charles Patton, (Mt. Carmel COGIC) Pastor Johnny Jefferson, (Revival Temple Ministries)and Bishop Terrance Taylor, (Abundant Life Deliverance Church) assisting them in growing their churches and strengthening their communities.

A Scholar and Lifelong Learner

Education was a cornerstone of Apostle Harris's life. After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1956, he pursued higher learning at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he studied Mechanical Art and Religious Education. His quest for knowledge spanned decades, earning degrees and certifications from esteemed institutions, including:

Memphis Area Vocational School (1964)

Career Institute, Chicago, Illinois (1966)

Shelby State Community College – A.A.D. in Business Administration Technology (1984)

Crichton College – B.S. in Church Ministry and Counseling (1988)

Friends International College – Master's and Doctorate in Biblical Studies (2003)

Memphis Theological Seminary – Master's in Biblical Studies (2017)

His commitment to education extended to teaching and mentoring his children and others, leaving a lasting legacy of knowledge and spiritual growth.

A Multifaceted Career

Beyond his pastoral work, Apostle Harris was an accomplished professional and entrepreneur. He worked as a Special Oil Operator for Hunts Wesson for 17 years and held positions with Union Casualty Insurance Company, Home Insurance Company, and Union Protective Insurance Company. He excelled in real estate with Jones and Associates Realty Company, Green Realty,and Edward Realty. He was an instructor at Association of Independent Holiness Churches Bible College. Apostle Harris was an Office Manager for H&R Block Tax Service. As the founder of Tax Service Enterprise, Apostle Harris became affectionately known as "Dr. Tax." His business success led to the creation of two additional ventures by his son Kenneth Harris, Harris & Associates and his daughter Sherry Howard,Miracles Enterprise.

Community Leader and Honored Citizen

Apostle Harris's contributions extended beyond the church. He received numerous awards, including:

H&R Block Tax Service Award for Excellence

Revelation COGIC Service Award

Juvenile Court Auxiliary Probation Officer Recognition

He was an active participant in civic and professional organizations including: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Knights of Pythias,Better Business Bureau, Memphis Democratic CommitteeDelegate, Westwood Parents and Teachers Organization, Lorraine Civil Rights Oversight Committee, and The Impact 90s Inc., President. Apostle Harris was a participant in the Sanitation Workers' strike that included notable civil rights leaders such asthe late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, A.W. Willis, Fred Davis, Alvin King, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He was a member of Alumni Associations for Shelby State Community College, Crichton College, and Memphis Theological Seminary.

Apostle Harris also pursued several political roles in the Shelby County area. These roles were Shelby County Clerk Office, The Office of Shelby County Register, State Representative Districts86 & 93.

A Legacy of Love and Service

Apostle Harris leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and service. He is survived by his eight children: Evangelist Sherry Howard(Memphis, TN), Kim (Charles) Blakeley (Memphis, TN), Tiffany (Steven) Davis (Memphis, TN), Myra Watson (San Antonio, TX Kenneth (Delois Spencer) Harris (Memphis, TN), Robert Edward Lee Harris, Jr. (Memphis, TN), Perry (Elizabeth) Renfroe (Blythewood, SC), and Terence (Teketa) (Pyeongtaek, South Korea). He also leaves 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his brothers Willie B. Harris (Helen) (Memphis, TN) and Curley Harris (Theresa) (Cleveland, OH), sisters Ethel Williams (New Orleans, LA) and Annie Mae Braden (Wardell) Memphis, TN, a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, and friends. Special recognition is extended to his devoted caretakers, Elder Kelvin (Kim) Dobbs, Brandi Howard, and Berlinda Johnson.

Apostle Harris's life was a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to serving the Lord. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23