Mr. Hyler Stanley Harris, Jr.

Mr. Hyler Stanley Harris, Jr. was born February 23, 1944 to Mr. Hyler Harris, Sr. and Mrs. Ruth Lindler Harris. An only child, both parents preceded him in death.  His mother died when he was young and he was immediately enveloped into the loving care of his beloved Aunt Ellen Bell Kendrick, his mother’s sister.  Aunt Ellen raised him as her own and remained devoted to him until her death in 1989. 

Mr. Harris was educated in the Newberry County Public Schools.  First, he attended Mt. Moriah A.M.E.  Church School in Prosperity, SC (where his mother was a teacher) and later Gallman High School  in Newberry, SC.   After graduating from high school, Mr. Harris matriculated at Benedict College in Columbia, SC.  At Benedict, he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English and pledged into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.   

Shortly after the completion of his college studies, Mr. Harris enlisted in the United States Army.  He was deployed to Vietnam where he served in the Vietnam War. 

In 1977, Mr. Harris married his longtime girlfriend, then Lillie Shealy.  Although they later divorced, their union produced a daughter, Tammie.  In a show of genetic power, Mr. Harris’ daughter would go on to earn an English degree, like her father, without knowledge of his. 

Mr. Harris’ occupational experiences included working in an official capacity at General Electric in Irmo, SC and becoming a first African American mail carrier in Newberry, SC.

Mr. Harris was a very intelligent gentleman.  Upon making his acquaintance, one noticed immediately his impeccable manners, articulation, and gentle nature.  While he appeared quiet, in his familiar, Mr. Harris would heartily laugh and carry on long meaningful conversations with those close to him.

Prior to succumbing to illness, Mr. Harris maintained ties to Mt. Hebron AME Church and Mt. Moriah AME Church both in Prosperity, SC.   From this debilitating ailment, which drained him of life quality, he never recovered. He finally found a peaceful escape Tuesday, April 25, 2017 when he entered eternal rest.  

Mr. Harris leaves to cherish his memories, Tammie (Sean) Roach; three grandchildren, Harris, Sean and Shane all of Atlanta, Ga.; several first cousins; other distant relatives; school and college classmates; fraternity brothers and friends.

Funeral service and burial with Military rites will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2017 at Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church in Prosperity, SC (viewing one hour prior to the service).

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