Rev. Dr. Harold C. Sayles

Reverend Dr. Harold Craig Sayles, a devoted servant of the Lord, gained his heavenly reward on July 21st, 2025. He was born August 1st, 1959 to the late Alvin and Patsy Sayles in Los Angeles, California. He was preceded in death by his sister Audrey Holmes of The Bronx, NY. Harold was educated in the Los Angeles Unified School System and attended San Diego State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He went on to earn a Master’s of Psychology and a Doctorate in Philosophy from American University. Guided by his faith and a heart for service, Harold served on active duty for 10 years in the United States Army, serving in 2 units, the 82nd Airborne Division and the JFK Special Warfare Operations Center, both at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He also served in the Army Reserve. His military service was a point of pride and commitment to his country. After many meaningful years of military service, he relocated to Richmond, Virginia where he met the love of his life, Dr. Cheryl Jordan-Sayles in 1995. In 1996, he joined Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church and they were married in 1997. Their marriage was a beautiful reflection of God’s love, filled with faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Some of Harold’s happiest moments were spent on family vacations, especially relaxing on a cruise. He found joy in every moment with family and believed those times were life's greatest treasures. Harold often spoke of how grateful he was for his life with his family and considered his role as a husband and father, one of his greatest honors. Harold worked in the human service field for well over 35 years as a counselor, instructor, social worker, case manager, and administrator. In 2002, Harold was called to the ministry and preached his initial sermon and was licensed by The Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church. Harold was deeply committed to serving others and was actively involved in many community activities throughout his life. He volunteered at the local food pantry, coached youth t-ball and basketball, was a member of the Celebration Male Choir, and Veterans of Foreign Wars where he served as the State Chaplain and National Chaplain. He held past memberships in the Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. and Prince Hall Masons to include the Shriners. As a devoted member of Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church, Harold participated in numerous ministries including the male choir, men’s ministry, was a Sunday School teacher, mentored youth as a Cub Master and Scout Master through the Boy Scouts of America and served as one of the associate ministers and assisted many families as the bereavement minister. Offering a listening ear to any neighbor in need, Harold gave of himself freely and without hesitation. His dedication to his church and community has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harold’s favorite Bible verse was Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 28 years Cheryl Jordan-Sayles; children Jasmine Sayles and Jovon Sayles both of Richmond, Joy Jordan of Orlando, Fl, Jemise Jordan of Dubai, UAE, and special extended family Roscoe Cooper, IV of Richmond; siblings Michael Sheppard of Inglewood, Ca, Michael Sayles of Philadelphia, Pa, Phillip Sayles of Atlanta, Ga, Genevieve Jones (Marcus) of Bellflower, Ca, Ronald Sayles (Elaine) Oklahoma City, OK, Toni Mallory (Larry) Vallejo, Ca, Jeffery Sayles (Candance) Lynwood, Ca,; a godson Seth Hardy, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. To honor Harold’s memory, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church "Make it Happen Campaign".

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Rev. Dr. Harold C. Sayles

August 1, 1959 - July 21, 2025