Walter Harris

Walter Edward Harris was a kind heart and fun loving soul. His passion for style, clothes, and cars were obvious to all that knew him. He took stock of life and kept abreast of the world through reading and singing. He worked hard and played vigorously. A man about town, Walter was happiest at home with those who filled his life with joy. Walter Edward was born to Albert and Ella (Jenkins) Harris in Muskegon, Michigan on November 27, 1948, following the end of WWII. Jobs were plentiful in a lively economy, especially in the manufacturing industry, which put Muskegon on the map. Albert worked at Campbell, Wyant and Cannon Foundry, and in years to come, Walter would find himself in a similar career. Walter was the eldest of five childrensisters Linda, Marsha and Vonda and brother Johnny Raygrowing up on Riordan Street in Muskegon Heights. He got an early start in the job market by tending a paper route during his years as a student at Muskegon Heights Public Schools. In high school, he ran track, sang in a four-man singing group and was always up for a game of basketball in his neighborhood. After graduating from Muskegon Heights High School in 1967, Walter began dating JoAnn Pennington. The two fell in love and were married in 1969. They began their family with the birth of their son Bishop in 1970, daughter Raquel Tricey in 1971 and son Damion in 1973. The family lived in downtown Muskegon, and the children attend Moon School. Walter was dedicated to his work and faithful to his job, providing stability and security for his family. When the marriage ended in the mid-1970s, he remained a family man with responsibilities for his children. He became a father to two more daughtersFarrah, born in 1976 and Sherwanda in 1978. A deep and lasting relationship came in the 1980s when Walters cousins introduced him to Deborah Johnson. He liked her immediately, but for a time, she played hard to get. Eventually, they started dating and made a life together. They went to concerts and amusement parks and traveled on such memorable trips as the Lake Michigan ferry. One eventful trip to Las Vegas marked their ten years together when they finally married on May 14, 1996. Walter and Deborah settled in Norton Shores, Michigan while he continued to work in Muskegon. Except for his jobs after high school that included Grand Haven Brass, Walter had one employer for 32 years: Kaydon manufacturing, where he worked as a bearing specialist. By the time he retired in 2004, he was ready to spend time working in his yard and taking rides to the beach with his special grandson Benji, who brought him much happiness in recent years. Walter had always liked to read, especially the newspaper, and he kept scrapbooks of current events of the day. He loved his carsa big Lincoln and an Eldoradothat went with his classy wardrobe. He was always a sharp dresser, wearing the latest styles and looking especially fine when he went to the clubs. Little wonder that Walter was known by such nicknames as Fly Guy, El-Dog Walt and The Joy Stick, to name a few. Over the years, Walter had attended various churches and was most recently part of the Upper Room community, who could support him in his 7-year struggle with diabetes. He fought the disease and received dialysis at home for quite some time, but eventually the disease was too much for him. On Wednesday, August 7, 2013, Walter died at home surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Mr. Walter E. Harris, age 64, is survived by his wife, Deborah; sons, Bishop "Sugar Man" (Kay) Pennington, Damion Harris; daughters, Raquel "Tricey" Harris, Farrah (Damon) Starr, Sherwanda (Joe) Rawls; 23 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Johny Ray Harris; sisters, Linda Odneal, Marsha Moore, Vonda (Isaiah) Berkley; special nephews and cousin, Rodrickus Harris, Ricky Harris, Jerrod "Jeff" Odneal; sister-in-law, Sheneta Moore; grandmother-in-law, Numa Morris , special grandson Benji and a host of family and friends. A service to celebrate Walters life will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2013, 12:00 PM at Mount Herman Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Darren Longmire officiating. Interment at Mona View Cemetery. Visitation on Tuesday, 2-6 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. To leave a memory or sign the online guest book, go to " target="_blank">www.clockfuneralhome.com. Clock Life Story- Muskegon