Phillip Edward Harris Jr.

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of GOD a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:1

Phillip Edward Harris, Jr., was born on October 2, 1949, in Independence, Louisiana to the late Phillip Edward Harris, Sr., and the late Hazel Jackson Harris-Lindsey.

Phillip, affectionately known as “Po-Phil”, was happily married on October 12, 1975, to his wife of 49 years, Eva J. Harris. He professed his faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Elmore M. Booker, Sr., at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Hammond, Louisiana.  When he moved to Michigan, under Christian experience, he united with Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. James O. Childs.  There he served faithfully on the Sr. Usher Board Ministry and was a dedicated member of the Sunday School. 

In 1967, Phillip graduated from Greenville Park High School in Hammond, Louisiana.  During high school, he played football and baseball.  After receiving his high school diploma, he joined the United States Air Force in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1969 as AIC E3. While in the Air Force, he received numerous medals of good conduct: Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.  As a civilian, Phillip was employed with the Benton Harbor Police Department.  Throughout his career journey, he served in many capacities and wore many hats.

In the early 1970s, Phillip became a Mason with the Prince Hall Freemasonry.  Years later, he moved his membership to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and joined the King Solomon Masonic Lodge #1. During his Masonic journey, he served in various positions throughout Benton Harbor, Michigan. He served as and is a Past Worshipful Master of King Solomon Masonic Lodge, #1, Past Grand Master of King Darius Grand Lodge, AF&AM, High Priest of Homer Towne Royal Arch, Shriner with Abba Temple #1, Commander in Chief of Mt. Shiloh Consistory #1, Sir. Knight Templar of St. Andrews Commandery #1, and Worthy Patron, Lily of the Valley Order of Eastern Star.  Phillip E. Harris, Jr., was a 33rd Degree Mason.  He was also a member of the Moose Lodge and F.O.P. Lodge.  Phillip also served as Cub Master for the Cub Scouts. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and participated in the Military Funeral Honors.

Phillip loved GOD, his family, friends, church, and his Masonic family. He took pride in maintaining the perfect lawn and kept an immaculate yard.

Phillip Edward Harris, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2024 at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife – Eva J. Harris; three sons, Glen Edward Harris (Joan) of Slidell, LA; Joseph Earl Harris (Valu) of Seattle, WA; and Phillip Edward Harris, III (Keisha) of Benton Harbor, MI, two daughters, Phyllis Marie Harris of Ponchatoula, LA and Latanya Britt of Benton Harbor, MI; seven grandchildren, TaiRon’ J. Ponds, Sr. (Tashanna), Tiara Harris, Kenneth Britt, Pili Harris, Demetrius Williams, Angelina Harris and Kiley E. Harris; great grandchildren, TaiRon’ J. Ponds, Jr., and Ti’Anna Marie Ponds; one brother, Donald Ray Harris of New Orleans, LA, four sisters, Mae E. Harris Ailsworth and Odessa Harris Laurent of New Orleans, LA; Edna M. Harris of Hammond, LA; and Lucy Harris of Houston, TX, three sisters-in-law, Thelma Lark of Virginia; Velma Shaw and Vender Rose (William) of Benton Harbor, MI, four brothers-in-law, Willie Campbell, Jack Campbell (Silvia) of Benton Harbor, MI; James McCoy (Miriam) of St. Louis, MO; and Samuel Campbell (Sharon) of Benton Harbor, MI, three godchildren, Taylor, Jerald, and VeeVee.  Phillip also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Edward Harris, Sr. and Hazel Jackson Harris-Lindsey; and two sisters, Ann Jackson-Riley and Lois Harris.

PGM ILL PHILLIP EDWARD HARRIS, SR., 33°

Signed Out Tuesday, October 2, 2024

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