Robert L Harris Jr was born June 27, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Irene Frances and Robert L Harris Sr. Robert also know as Babyface or Bobby was the third out of five children. Herbert Lecan, Maryanne Phillips, Norma Noel and Sammy Harris. Robert attended the Philadelphia School District and dropped out of school to help support his family, Bobby later went back to school and received his GED. At 9 Bobby worked at Al’s local grocery store and become a manger and later worked throughout multi chain grocery stores for over 51 years and retired from Albertsons In Philadelphia. Bobby meant Madeline Wimberly in 1964 fell in love and married. Bobby and Madeline were blessed with four beautiful children. Shirlene Chowyuck, Robert L Harris lll, Dr Anita Harris and Marlo Harris. Bobby beloved wife departed in 1974 leaving Bobby to raise his 4 young children and he did it with the love and passion he had for his wife and children. Bobby was a dedicated father assuring that his children were active in church, showed them the arts, taught them to be athletic and was a active member in all 4 of his children partner teacher association in which later he also became very active grandfather to all 14 of his grandchildren. Bobby was a dedicated lifetime member to St Thomas African Episcopal Church in Philadelphia for 71 years. Serving on the Men’s Fellowship, and maintaining the gardens and grounds. Bobby lead a fundraiser that assured the church had signage for members and guest that distinguished the African American St Thomas Episcopal Church. Bobby was a co-founder of a local club “Moon gang” back in the late 1950s. He and other members identified major issues in their communities and drove positive change to enforce helping underprivileged and at risk youth through boxing, mentoring and other needed guidance. Bobby was also a trainer for boxing trouble young men at the Ring 40 Elks Center in South Philadelphia. Bobby was also a strong community activist becoming a committeeman for the 55th district in Philadelphia. Bobby was a strong advocate that assured everyone on the community was aware of their right to vote and had the knowledge about the candidates. Bobby had a unique sense of style, an unwavering sense of humor and always the most welcoming smile. He loved his children and always had his door opened for his family members, his children friends and neighbors. Bobby helped anyone in need and did it with such grace and comfort. Bobby health started to decline back in 2013 and as it became worsened he moved to Denver, Co. Feb 2017 with his daughter Anita and son in law Curtis Temple. Bobby is preceded by his wife Madeline Harris, mother and father Robert L Harris Sr and Irene Frances, brothers Herbert Lecan and Sam Harris and sister Norma Noel. Bobby departed this life on November 21st 2017 as Kimberly and Matthew Cody as his loving and compassionate caregivers. Those left to carry his legacy is his sister Maryanne Phillips in Philadelphia,his four children Shirlene Chowyuk in Alabama, Robert L Harris lll and daughter in law Lovey Harris in Florida, Anita Harris and son n law Curtis Temple in Colorado and Marlo Harris in Philadelphia. He also leaves 14 grandchildren Farrell, Aaliyah, Robert lV, Kareemah, Angel, Ameera, Maliyah, Hadith, Sahira, Lex, Gianna, Capel, Gabi, Curtis Jr. He is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, 4 brother in laws and 3 sisters in law, also a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and a long time friend Bobby “Chink” Wilkerson and many more friends, and neighbors. Bobby was loved by many and will be missed deeply. He was a remarkable father and grandfather.
Funeral Home: St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Service: Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO