Fred Douglas Harris
June 23rd, 1941 – September 9th, 2016
Mr. Harris was born June 23, 1941, in Cincinnati, OH to Ollie and Inez Harris. At a very early age, Fred had an indomitable spirit. He lived in a time stricken which poverty, adversity, and discrimination. Despite his harsh circumstances, Fred always persevered. He refused to live within a mold that society deemed fit for his demographic. Through his own hands, he wrought the life of his dreams. Challenge after challenge, Fred overcame poverty, overcame stereotypes, and built a rich life full of adventure, wisdom, and in his final years, peace. In 1959, Fred graduated from high school and joined the United States Navy as a Signalman. He served during a volatile time in American history where America was at war with its own many conflicting identities, racial clashes pervaded every aspect of American civilization, and the barrage of international conflicts fundamentally transformed the American cultural fabric. Despite the inevitable backlash by his superiors, peers, and society as a whole, Fred was one of the brave few who planted his feet during this storm. He never lost touch with his identity and his values. He persisted aggressively to demand from society his equal share of God given rights. And while the world was crumbling around him, never did he waver in his pride in being an African American male. Fred devoted 30 exceptional year of military service and became a sought out expert of his craft. He provided technical guidance to the highest ranking officers on naval vessels during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960’s, the Vietnam War in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, and during peacekeeping operations throughout his entire tenure. Fred’s military career was truly abundant with accomplishments. He trained with the elite Navy “Frogmen” in foreign and domestic areas of military operations, mentored thousands of people from all service ranks, was recognized nationally by the United States Navy for his superior performance on numerous occasions, and saved countless lives in the line of duty. Fred’s accomplishments continued to abound during the twilight years of his service in the armed forces and during his civilian professional tenure. His academic accomplishments included earning a baccalaureate in Behavioral Science in 1998 and earning a Master of Arts degree in Human behavior in 1999. Professionally, he saved hundreds of lives as a group therapist and as a Chemical/Alcohol Dependency Counselor. Fred worked at several hospitals employing his unique “tough love” approach to his clients and touched the lives of many on and off the clock. Even to this day, people continue to contact his residence, express their gratitude, and claim that they are alive today because of Fred’s life coaching. He was always one to speak out when others would remain silent or retreat. He was always one to stay and fight even when he was frightened down to his core. Yet, he was also able to drop his fierce persona almost instantaneously and become the best friend a person never had but always needed. He would steal the show with his song and dance and would allow everyone to take a respite from the sometimes unforgiving nature of life. His self-confidence literally inspired others to save their own lives. He was a warrior and a leader to the very end of his days. Mr. Harris is survived by his wife, Sara Harris; two brothers, Edward (Pete) and Robert (Rob) Harris; three sisters, Hatty Williams, Roslyn Harris, and Betty Maxberry; four sons, Michael, Anthony (Tony), Fred, and Vincent Harris; two daughters, Rhoda Pittman and Dionne Harris; two grandchildren, Jonquil Miller and Iosua (Joshua) Sykes; and one great grandchild, Romeo Knox Jr. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Harris; father, Ollie Harris; sister, Christine Harris; and mother, Inez Harris.
