Dr. Curtis Lee Harris

With sincere compassion, we respectfully announce the transition of Dr. Curtis Lee Harris, MSgt. US Air Force Retired. A native of Queens, NY, and resident of Montgomery, AL, Dr. Harris transitioned Saturday, June 11th, 2022. He was 71. A Public Visitation will be held Friday, June 24th, 2022 from 4-6PM in the chapel of Jackson Professional Funeral Services. Dr. Harris will lie in state on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 from 10AM until the Homegoing Celebration begins at 11AM at Fresh Anointing House of Worship. Bishop Kyle Searcy, Pastor of Fresh Anointing House of Worship, is the Officiant. On Monday, June 27th, 2022 at 12:30 AM the Committal, Military Honors and Interment will take place at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. 

A Time To Be Born…

Curtis Lee Harris was born September 15, 1950 to  Junius Branch and Daisy Lee (Carter) Harris in Queens, New York, who have both preceded him in death. He was the eldest of five children.

A Time to Achieve...

Curtis was educated in the New York public school system and joined the United States Air Force in June 1971. He is a graduate of the NCO Leadership School, NCO Academy, and USAF Senior NCO Academy.  Additionally, his awards included: the Air Force Commendation Medal - with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Unit Excellence Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award - with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal - with six oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon - with four oak leaf clusters, the NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon - with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal - with one oak leaf cluster; the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon - with three oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Curtis served 13 years in Foreign Service, where he met the love of his life, Sherrel. He also served 24 years in the United States Air Force, and retired in June 1995 with an honorable discharge.  After military retirement, Curtis’ second career was working for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs until his second retirement.

A Time to Love

Curtis and Sherrel met in 1973. They soon fell in love and were wed on June 15, 1974.  To this union of nearly 48 years of laughter, hugs and smiles, two children were born: Serena and Roland.

A Time To Serve…

As Curtis grew into early adulthood, inspired by his mother-in-law, his devotion and knowledge of God increased. Curtis’ ministry is one of service. He was always actively volunteering in the military community. Curtis was president of the DADS Club (Dedicated Adults in Dedicated Service), worked with youth, and often created programs that utilized his skill sets to teach students life skills. He was also instrumental in working with evacuees to secure lodging during Desert Storm.

Curtis lived to worship and eventually became an ordained minister at Fresh Anointing House Worship. He served faithfully in various Ministries, including the Men’s Fellowship.  Curtis continued his studies and on April 30, 2022, received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Theology, achieving a lifelong dream. 

A Time to Mourn

Dr. Curtis L. Harris, MSgt US Air Force Retired, departed this life on June 11, 2022.  He leaves to cherish his memory Sherrel; two devoted children: Serena (Casey Jenkins), and Roland Harris; one sister: Hazel Loren Harris; three brothers: Eddie (Debbie), Junius, and Hank Harris; sisters-in-law: Gardenia (Evan) McCollin, Maria, and Shirley Cox; three brothers-in-law: John, James (Danielle), and Donald (Shelly) Cox; three aunts: Evangelist Annie Ruth (Eugene) Stafford, Evangelist Dollie Milford; one granddaughter: Joyelle Harris; countless cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and many wonderful lifelong friends.

Jackson Professional Funeral Services is grateful to the family of Dr. Harris for entrusting the final care and arrangements of their loved one to our caring and dedicated professionals. We solicit your continued, sincere support, and prayers for his family as they navigate through this experience.

Thank You,

JPFS

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