Robert Harris

Good afternoon, family and friends. We gather here today to celebrate the extraordinary life of a remarkable man— Robert Harris Sr., who graced this world for 78 years. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in remembering the joy and love he brought to so many lives.

Robert Harris Sr. “Ju Ju” was born April 14th, 1946, to his mother Mattie “Pig” Harris and his father, R.T. Sanders. He was raised in the home of his uncle Henry and aunt Ellen Bowles. They instilled in him the values of family, faith, and hard work. 

He was the oldest of 12. Growing up, he found a second home with the Carr family (George, Lurlean, Ronnie, Linda and family). Nuns at a Catholic school provided him an early educational foundation. Ju Ju confessed his faith in Christ as a teenager and joined the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor Rev. G.R. Mozique. He was a faithful choir member. He attended Holy Cross Baptist Church in the 80’s.

In 1966, he graduated from Eliza Miller Senior High School in West Helena. Immediately after his high school graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army. After serving his country valiantly with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam, he was able to purchase a home for his aunt and uncle. The Army awarded him with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, culminating with an honorable discharge.

He had a variety of talents and passions which are reflected in his diverse work history. October 20th, 2022, he retired from Baptist Medical Center after 35 years of dedicated service. Prior to his extensive career here in Little Rock, his roles and responsibilities included the following: groundskeeper of a national cemetery, GSA for the post office, janitor for DHS, and the Helena Police Department. It was said that he resigned from the force due to a conflict of interest; he could not arrest his friends during the week and then hang out with them when that weekend when they got released. He chose his friends over the police force. 

He was a man of few words when it came to volunteering his time to the community. He was a faithful member of the NAACP, praised for his work as a Boy Scout Master and a volunteer umpire for tee ball and the Women’s Softball League. 

Robert Harris married Mary J. Harris, August 11th, 1970. The couple divorced after 23 years of marriage. They were blessed with two sons, Robert Harris Jr. “Baby Rob” and Edwin “Leophus” Harris. 

His zest for life was reflected in his hobbies—whether he was casting a line by the water, dancing and cutting a rug, cutting grass, capturing moments with his camera, or lifting his voice in song, Robert brought passion and joy to every endeavor. These simple pleasures were his way of connecting with the beauty of the world and the people around him.

His father (R.T. Sanders), mother (Mattie Harris), uncle (Henry Boles), aunt (Ellen Boles), four brothers (John “Spody” Miller Jr., Leo Monday, Henry Burke, Otis “Cookie” Monday Jr.), two sisters (Betty Miller & Celestine (Sanders) George) preceded him in death. Robert’s legacy will be continued by his two sons, Robert Harris II and Army Captain Edwin Harris, Commander of the 883rd Petroleum Company in Broken Arrow, OK. He is survived by four sisters (Gloria Gant, Everlena Singleton, Rose Holder), Lisa Monday, two brothers (Ulus Burke Jr. & Anthony “Tony” Monday) and multitude of nieces, nephews, co-workers and friends.

Today, as we say goodbye, let us not focus on the loss but rather celebrate the remarkable life of a man who touched so many hearts. Let us honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy of kindness, hard work, and devotion to his community.

 Rest in peace, Ju Ju. Your life was a gift to us all, and your spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the lessons you taught us, and the love you shared. His humor and his enduring love for life will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Thank you for blessing us with your presence—we are better for having known you.