Pastor Robert James Harris

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day” II Timothy 4:6-8. Robert James Harris transitioned from this earthly life to be in the presence of God on Saturday April 25, 2015 in Saginaw, MI. His entrance into this world was on November 11, 1939 in Union Springs, AL to the late Milton and Elizabeth Harris. He resided in various places within the United States, before finally settling down in Saginaw, MI in 1965 to accept employment in the General Motors Malleable Iron Central Foundry manufacturing plant. He was a member of the UAW Local 455 and retired in June of 1991 after 27 years of service. He became a dedicated and faithful member of the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in 1979 under the leadership of the later Pastor Willie D. Hankins. During his tenure, he served in various capacities with the church body: Gospel Choir Member, Bus Driver, Custodian, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Teacher, Prayer Meeting Facilitator, Deacon, Assistant Pastor, and finally Pastor. In 1982, he accepted his calling into ministry and was ordained August 1984. American Baptist Theological Seminary, Saginaw Campus was the place where he received his education in Baptist Ministry, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He was devoted to the Saginaw Valley Baptist District Convention and Congress, The Wolverine State Baptist Convention and Congress, and the National Baptist Convention and Congress. In 2007, he became the Pastor of the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church and continued to serve faithfully until his death. On April 3, 1982 he was joined in marriage to Mary McDole, who remained with him until death. In this union he was the father of 1 daughter and 5 sons to whom he was a provider, friend and counselor: Elissa McDole, Danny (Tineen) McDole, Taurus (Venus) McDole all of Saginaw, MI. Timmy McDole of Davenport, IA. John (Lisa Cook) McDole of Mt. Morris, MI and Samuel Snead of FL. He was the loving grandfather of 15 grandchildren, to whom he gave affectionate nicknames: Shaun, Devan, Jordan, Trenton, Natasha, Kira, Aneisha, LaCretisha, Danneisha, Sedrick, Sela, Dequavion, Damus and Tyrus. Proudly he was blessed to receive 3 Goddaughters and 11 Godsons: Monyette Hatter, Shayla Austin, and Tanya Jeffries, Kendrick King, Marius Presley, Billy Reed, Kerel Revis, Curtis Coleman, Ronnie Parrish Jr., De’Erick Smith, D.V. Laster, Warren Holman, Gregory Nickelberry Jr., and Felix Demarco Williams. His childhood and upbringing with his siblings provided several stories of laughter and smiles. Even until his death, he continued to have a loving relationship with them: George (Glendora) Harris, Verae (John) Wyatt, Arthur (Victoria) Harris, all of Saginaw, MI. Milton (Ruby) Harris and Patsy(Abe) Marion both of Rochester, NY. With his marital union he was blessed to acquire an additional sister and brothers whom he loved and treated as his own biological siblings: Oscar (Annie) McDole, Arlonia (Chester) Surles, and Lloyd (Donna) McDole, all of Saginaw, MI. Johnnie (Daisy) McDole and Clifford (Eula) McDole of Shreveport, LA. Joseph (Estella) McDole of Lower Peachtree, AL. He also counted it a blessing to have an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The pleasures in his life can be counted when he was cleaning the church, watching old TV shows like Matlock, In the Heat of the Night, Walker Texas Ranger, Cops and Jeopardy. He enjoyed professional baseball and always cheered on the National League in the World Series. Amongst his children, he was known as the “Checkers King of 23rd St” and would easily answer when kids in the neighborhood referred to him as, “Mr. McDole.” His love for his grandkids was often displayed when he would happily bake sweet potato pies and red velvet cakes for them when they came home from college on break. Robert was preceded in transition by parents, Milton Harris and Elizabeth Marlow Harris and his older brother Eddie Harris. The family would like to convey their gratitude for the expressions of love, acts of kindness, and most of all prayers for strength during this time. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the Wolverine State Baptist Headquarters, 615 South Jefferson Avenue. Pastor Robert B. Corley will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 1210 North 8th Street on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Pastor Robert James Harris

November 11, 1939 - April 25, 2015