Raymond Evan Harris passed away on Sunday after a valiant battle with Parkinson's disease. He touched many people throughout his life with his gentle spirit. Ray was a resident of Diamond Ridge Health Care in Pittsburg where he received the best care from his nurses and caregivers.
Ray was born Jan 1, 1929 to Andrew and Bertha Harris in Harpers Springs, Arkansas. At the age of 5 he moved with his parents and older sister Gladys to Corpus Christi, Texas where he attended the local schools. His family was itinerant farmers working the fields picking cotton and other crops that were in season. Ray learned how to upholster furniture, and at the tender age of 18 moved to Concord, CA where an aunt and uncle lived and opened an auto upholstery business. He later expanded that into the Harris Carpet of Concord; a carpet, drapery, furniture and custom furniture store. Ray brought members of his family from Texas and employed them in one capacity or another.
He married Jessie Rich in 1951 and together they raised her sons Larry and Gary Harris.
As a young entrepreneur, Ray became a licensed private pilot and was the president of Concord Flying Club. He owned three different planes during those years. Ray was an avid golfer and member of the Round Hill Country Club. He was also an Elk and Lions Club member during his years in business in Concord.
He later married Catharina Schuurman and together they had two daughters; Corlina Wolfe of Oakley and Leanka Harris of Palm Desert. He, with his family moved to Palm Desert, CA where he became a building contractor specializing in custom homes. Returning to Northern California some years later he bought Johnson's Lumber and renamed it Harris Lumber and Home Center. He rebuilt a home that was on the 15 acre parcel which some people called "The Little White House" in Knightsen. He planted many apple and peach trees also grapevines and after selling the lumber company, opened a country store called Harris Apple Ranch. He sold fresh produce and had "you pick fruit". Ray specialized in 22 different fruit pies. He invited school groups from nearby schools to visit the ranch teaching and sharing his love of the farm products he raised.
Upon selling his ranch and land he once again returned to live in Palm Desert with his dear friend Arlene Moeller. The two enjoyed many trips in their motor home traveling to Canada and most of the United States. They especially enjoyed visiting the Presidential Libraries and homes of presidents, along with visiting friends and family.
Ray is survived by his soul mate Arlene of Cloverdale CA. His daughters Corlina (Keyvin) Wolfe of Oakley and Leanka Harris of Palm Desert. Sons Daryl (Michelle) Harris, Gary (Debbie) Harris and Larry (Terri) Harris. Grandchildren Kanin and Koen Wolfe and Trevor and Meghan Harris. Brothers Earl (Elida) Harris of Woodbridge CA and Don (Diane) Harris of Galt CA. Ray is predeceased by sisters Gladys (Albert) Botsford of TX and Delora (Jady) Keetch of TX.