Clarence Judgeson Harris

Clarence Judgeson Harris born July 6, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late John Harris and Ella Barnes Harris died at Johns Hopkins Hospital June 20, 2002 of a lymphoma related illness.Clarence was baptized at an early age and attended Perkins Square Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Fredrick Douglass Senior High School in 1948. He enlisted in the United States Army and was a member of the Japan Occupation Forces when the Korean conflict erupted. Ironically, he landed in Korea on July 6, 1950 on his 21st birthday. Clarence saw action with the 25th Infantry Division in South and North Korea. Following his Honorable discharge in April 1952 he went to work for Baltimore City government and, subsequently, for Maryland State government.While working full-time, he enrolled in Loyola Evening College in Baltimore, Maryland and received a B.S. degree in Economics. He also received advanced certificates in City and New Town Planning from the University of N.C., and Harvard University.Clarence worked at Baltimore Urban Renewal and Housing Development (now called the Housing Authority of Baltimore City). He later worked in State government as Director of State Legislative Affairs for the Department of State Planning from which he retired in May 1985.Clarence was initiated in the Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in April 1980, and began a commendable record of service to his chapter and fraternity. He became a life member in November of 1980 and performed many duties for the chapter such as Bookkeeper, Corporate Tax Forms Preparer; Assistant Dean of Pledges; Co-manager of the Kappa House and Bar; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kappa Family Center; Treasurer of the Baltimore Kappa Foundation and recently held the office of President of the Foundation.As a businessman, Clarence has been a Regional Vice President, Securities Principal, and Mortgage Broker with Primerica Financial Services, an affiliate of the Travelers Group.Clarence also served in the community. He was instrumental in forming and served on the Board of Directors of: (1) the Baltimore Christian Community Association – a 501(c)(3) inner city youth group; and (2) Maryland Center For Veterans Education And Training, formally the Maryland Homeless Veterans – a 501(c)(3) corporation which operates a five-story building in downtown Baltimore to assist homeless veterans with housing, job training and employment, and health needs.He was a member of the Meritocrats, Inc. and Bidder’s Corporation social clubs and a member of the Vanguard Political Organization for many years.Clarence, known affectionately as Pop, “Clurence”, CeeJay, Honey, BooBoo, Pop-Pop, Jet B, Bubba, Jeff, Dad, Pop-Pop CJ and “Unc” was truly a man of many distinctions and depth who touched the lives of all who knew him. He had a smile and a teasing manner that would just tug at your heartstrings. He had a way of saying things that you knew were exactly the way it was. He had a friendliness toward everyone, regardless of who they were or where they came from. He was “street” smart and “book” smart. He was blessed with a rich tenor singing voice and a rare ability to play the piano beautifully without ever having taken a piano lesson. Indeed, Clarence Judgeson Harris was all the above and more. A wonderful husband, a devoted father, a playful grandfather, a cherished brother, a loving uncle, a trusted friend and confidant. He had special nicknames for each of his grandchildren: Moto, Pumpkin, Peanut, Buck-E-Ball, Bape, Baby Boo and Waant. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Elaine Ewell Harris; four children, Larry Harris, Sr. of Columbia, Maryland, Cathy Harris Blackwell of Baltimore, Maryland, Michael Harris of Stevenson Ranch, California and Allyson Harris Owens of Columbia, Maryland; seven grandchildren, Larry Harris, Jr., Erin and Kiarra Blackwell, David and Kevin Harris and Lauren and Grant Owens; a sister, Lucy Odessa Little of Columbia, Maryland; three brothers-in-law, Fletcher Little of Columbia, Maryland, Marvin Ewell of Salisbury, Maryland, and Harry Ross of Wilmington, North Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Mabel Teagle Finney, Ruth Taylor and Marie Brittingham of Berlin, Maryland; two sons-in-law, Darryl Blackwell of Baltimore, Maryland and Andre’ Owens of Columbia, Maryland; one daughter-in-law, Angelica Harris of Stevenson Ranch, California; a God son, Special Agent Earl Cottman of Baltimore, Maryland; a God daughter, Allison Knox of Baltimore, Maryland; and a host of other relatives and friends.Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.“I’m Free”Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free.I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another dayTo laugh, to love, to work or play. I’ve found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Tributes

Clarence Judgeson Harris

July 6, 1929 - June 20, 2002