Ronzlex Harris

Ronzlex (“Ron”) Harris was born on August 18, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pa, to the late Frank Alex Harris and Millie Anne Harris. Ron is the sixth of eight children, two of whom, Hiram (“Benny”) and Arthur, preceded him in death. Ron was fitted for his heavenly robe, peacefully and with a smile, on June 13, 2024. Benny and Arthur, and Ron’s infant granddaughter, Zoya Harris, welcomed him at the pearly gates. 

Ron’s greatest achievement in life was his children, Ronzlex Brahim Harris, and Milan Cassell, whom he loved and greatly adored. God also saw fit to bless Ron with two wonderful grandchildren, Azhar Harris and Zoya Harris. Ron’s love and devotion to his children and grandchildren was unmatched. 

Ron’s greatest decision in life was to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. While Ron was saved at a young age, he made Christ the center of his life in 2013, when he joined the St. Barnabas Bethsaida Methodist Church for a second time under the pastorate and tutelage of Rev. Dr. Allen G. Jenkins Jr. And, from that time, until his passing, Ron enjoyed a close earthly walk with God culminating with his soul now safe in God’s hands. 

Ron lived almost his entire life in South Philadelphia. Ron attended Childs Elementary, Barett Junior High and South Philadelphia High School. Ron then attended both Community College of Philadelphia and Temple University. Ron identified closely with his neighborhood and the values it instilled in him. You were to be loyal to your friends, respectful and protective of your elders and accepting of those who were different. Ron did not pick fights, but he did not run from them either. He loved to play sports, basketball in particular. Ron was known as a gunner. If he got the ball he was shooting it; hot or cold. Ron always believed the next shot was going in. Ron lived life as an eternal optimist. He viewed each new day as an opportunity for something great to happen. 

An avid and passionate sports fan, Ron had a love/hate relationship with all the Philadelphia professional sports teams. When they won, he loved them, when they lost, he hated them. There was no in between, and no explanation for losing even a single game. If they lost, they were “garbage” and if they won, they were “lucky”. Ron wished for reserve seats in hell for Doc Rivers, Joel Embid and the entire Philadelphia Eagles team except Jalen Hurts. 

While Ron had very expensive taste in custom tailored clothes, shoes, food and decorations for his home, he was always willing to work hard to afford them. From his paper route at the age of 7, to working with his Uncle Bo from the age of 10, to joining Union 57 at the age of 18, and eventually working in the trucking business and at the shipyards, Ron was always a hard worker. He worked until he physically could no longer do so. 

Ron was stubborn, opinionated and a fighter. Anyone else fighting pancreatic and liver cancer would have gone quietly into that dark good night, but Ron fought until the bitter end believing with every breath, he would overcome it. The way Ron died is just like he lived: he wrote his own rules, he fought authority, and he paved his own way. And if you said he couldn't do it, he would make sure he could.

Of all the people Ron touched, both willing and unwilling, he truly loved his life partner Jennifer Cook. Jenny was a Godsend for Ron. The right woman, at the right time, with the right patience and the right spirit. His constant companion, confidant, and in the end, his primary caretaker. Their love was evident and admirable.

Ron was also richly blessed to love and be loved by Desi Hutchins, China Cassell and Rita Holmes. 

Ron loved and greatly appreciated his family and friends. Ron is survived by his son, Ronzlex Brahim Harris, daughter, Milan Cassell, grandson Azhar Harris, Mother, Millie A. Harris--who raised him with unconditional faith, love and in admonition of Jesus Christ--,step-father, Charles Bibbs, brothers Frank (Mari), John (June), Ricky, sisters Juanita (Darryl), Cheryl (Keith) and Terri, whose memories of life’s journey, laughter, and nicknames will hold special places in their hearts. His nine nephews, Marcus, Francisco, Robert, Bryant, Marcus, Allen, Joshua and Jared, and five nieces, Kimberly, Jillian, Elizabeth, Charae and Madeia; along with his cousins, Annie-Margaret, Patrice, Charles, Walter, Ricky, Eric, Craig, Cherise and Bernestine. Ron also loved dearly his sister-in-law Brenda Bogart-Harris. 

Ron had too many friends to name them all, as he had a special gift for making friends easily and making all friends feel like his best friend. But, Ron specifically asked these friends to be mentioned: Donnie, David, Larry, Tony, Gene, Ricky, Randy, John and Jonathan. 

May God rest Ron’s soul. 

GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN

 God be with you till we meet again;

Loving counsels guide, uphold you,

May the Shepherd’s care enfold you;

God be with you till we meet again. 

Till we meet, till we meet,

Till we meet at Jesus’ feet.

Till we meet, till we meet,

God be with you till we meet again. 

INTERMENT

Second Shady Grove Cemetery

Shady Grove Lane

Brewton, Alabama 36426

FAMILY APPRECIATION

The family of Ronzlex (“Ron”) Harris would like to extend our sincere love, gratitude and appreciation for the many prayers, kind thoughts and warm hugs during this time of bereavement. May God forever bless and keep each of you in his loving hands from now into eternity.