Bernard Dedrick Harris

Deacon Bernard Dedrick Harris was born to the late Theodore Harris, Sr. and Sarah Harris on August 11, 1950 in King George County, VA. On January 22, 2019 he peacefully departed in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and friends.
Bernard graduated from King George High School in 1969. After graduating he proudly enlisted in the United States Military where he served in the U.S. Air Force between November 1970 – April 1974 and in the U.S. Army between April 1977 – April 1981. His military service was something that he always took great pride in as he saw it as one of his life’s greatest accomplishments, second only to his being a proud and loving father to his 5 beautiful daughters. After discharging from the military Bernard worked dutifully as a security guard at Indian Head, Maryland and for the NSWC for many years.
At an early age he was baptized, accepted Jesus Christ as his savior, and became a member of the Greater New Little Ark Baptist Church. Later in life he joined Union Bethel Church where he also became a member of the Deacon Board. It was with the highest honor that Bernard served as a Deacon having demonstrated his leadership in a multitude of ways including various community service outreach missions; right up to the very end. He possessed a great love and admiration for his Union Bethel Church Family.
In 1972, Deacon Harris was united in marriage to his loving wife who preceded him in death; the late Carla “Bootsie” Harris. He leaves with everlasting loving memories: his five daughters; Angela Brown, Shaunta Harris Lee, Keona Allen, Uniqua Harvey, and Akirra Harvey. Three sons-in-law, Harry Brown; who preceded him in death, David Lee, and Omar Allen. Thirteen grandchildren; Mia Brown, Ahmad Rashad, De’Quan Whiting, De’Von Whiting, ShaTia Lee, Shanika Lee, Kayla Frye, Ila Allen, Tsenkara-Leb Allen, Omar Allen, Jr. Irie Ellis, Isla Ellis, and Zayden Ellis. Two great grandchildren; Carter Dickson and Casen Dickson. Seven siblings, Theodore Harris, Jr., Patricia L. Pryor, Pastor Larry Robinson, Deborah M. Harris, Carl Harris, Delarese Hemsley and Kelvin E. Harris. Three sisters-in-law; Barbara Harris, Shirley Robinson, and Lisa Harris. One brother-in-law; Peter Hemsley. Two Aunts; Irma Jackson and Savannah Haliburton. His Godparents; Clarence and Ida Jackson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bernard was also preceded in death by a very special friend; Yvonne Harvey.