Mr. Harrold "Big Papa" Harris Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harrold (Fly-o) Payton Harris, born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on August 04, 1949 to the late Harrold (Bubba Jack) Payton Harris Sr., and Willie D. Wallace. He was the second of six children. He received his early education from Pine Bluff Arkansas public schools. Harrold was married to his first wife, Edna Patricia Mayo and from their union they had five children. In 1972, Harrold moved to Saginaw, MI to work for Malleable Iron and Conley Security Corporation. He confessed Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He and was a member of Freedom Full Gospel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Bragg and Co-Pastor Margaret Bragg, whom he truly admired and greatly appreciated. Harrold loved going fishing with his friends, playing dominos and cards, cooking soul food and baking mouth-watering Carmel cakes. He also enjoyed playing his Playstation and was a member of the Devil’s Rejected cyber-gaming network team, where he gained many cyber buddies including one of his best friends, Ed Simon “Taxman”. Everyone knows that he was a devoted fan of the “Dallas Cowboys” and the “Los Angeles Lakers”. Harrold took pleasure in sitting on the porch and under the tree with his neighborhood watch crew. He also enjoyed riding his amigo scooter to check out the neighborhood (being NOSEY) and to Liquor Basket where the clerks had a lot of admiration for him. He often had no regards for the walls, doors, or your toes when he was on a mission, LOL. Harrold became the father of ten more children in his 37 years relationship with Gwendolyn Simms. They have overcome many trials and tribulations’ together and have done an “AWESOME” job to ensure love and unity for their family. Harrold and Gwen met through their dear friend Ollie Montgomery. Gwen was his #1 supporter, “nurse” that was truly dedicated to caring for him since 2000 when his health challenges began. Harrold loved spending time with his family and was affectionately known as “Big Poppa” to his children, their friends, and even many of the nursing staff at the rehab/hospitals. Many of his friends called him “Fly-o,” a nickname he rightfully earned during his young adulthood. He enjoyed sharing stories of the past and if anyone needed to know some family history, he would be the one to ask. He will truly be missed!! Preceding him in death were his parents; Harrold Payton Harris Sr., and Willie D. Wallace; his grandmother, Emma Schuler; sisters, Marva Murphy-Reed and Bettye J. Walker. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, five children from his first union, Darrell (Sarena) Harris of Conyers, GA, Harold D. Harris, Dwaine L. Harris, Tanya Welch and Bukweanna (Boo) Harris, all of Saginaw, MI; from his second union, ten children, the twins, Lakesha (Lil Ma) Simms, Mynesha (Big Ma) Simms, Deidra Williams, Jerry (Maine) Simms, Alicia Simms, Shanell Williams, Dallas Mckenie, Tarsha Hullet, Shareese Gillerson, Ebony Williams; 45 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; his grandchildren, Darrell K. Harris Jr., TeAiris M. Harris, T’Keyah C. Harris, T’Onnie D. Welch, Angel Harris, Paris Walker, Aquaris Walker, Brookl’n Sample , Al’Janique Faniel, Shania Townsend, Shana Harris, Marquiah O’Steen, Onesti Harris: his great-grandchildren: Journee Kamile Parham, Demi Dickerson, Synaelia Veasy, Har’Monie and HayDen Harris; his siblings: Jerald (Joan) E. Brown, Oakland, CA, Byron (Angela) Pridgeon, Antioch, CA; Freddie (Esther) Wallace-Cross, Brooklyn, NY, Belinda Faye Harris and Harold Andre Harris both of North Little Rock, Arkansas: his great-aunt Rosie Wallace; his aunts, Diane Shuler and Jan Hawkins both of Oakland, CA; his uncle Ervin Shuler, Oakland, CA, and Gladys Curry of Los Angeles, CA; and a host of grand nieces and nephews, cousins and love ones. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Evans & Browne's, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Eddie Bragg will officiate. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 on Tuesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Harrold "Big Papa" Harris

August 4, 1949 - August 24, 2019