Mr. Norman Harris, Sr.

The Life and Legacy of Norman Harris Sr. Norman Harris Sr. was born June 7, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Perry Harris and Mrs. Ether Lee Harris. He was the fourth born of six children. He was preceded in death by siblings, Manual, Sarah, Stanley and Sterling and granddaughter Jasmyn. Norman accepted Christ at an early age and more recently began sharing with his family that he was “getting his house in order” as God was getting his bed prepared in heaven. Norman attended Lincoln Elementary School and in 1961 graduated from Hadley Tech High School (now known as Vashon High School). After graduating from high school Norman enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Ford Hood, Texas. There he met and married the LOVE of his life Ardie C. Harris (Lil Bit) and they were married for 52 glorious years. To this union 3 sons were born, Norman Jr. (Catina), Jonathan (LaToya), and Wayne. Norman returned to St. Louis in 1964 where he began working as a Mover. In that same year he began working for Granite City Steel. Norman spent one year in California where he made many lifelong friendships. He later returned to St. Louis, Missouri in 1967 where he began working at Busch Stadium. He then went to work for Certain Teed in 1972 and worked there until he began his career at Rockwell International. During his career at Rockwell he also attended and received his Associates degree in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). He began working in 1977 at Carter Carburetor and worked there until he began his career at Monsanto in 1984. He then began a career at General Motors where he worked on the Assembly Line and was promoted to Trainer before retiring in 2006. During the strike at General Motors he began selling real estate at Pride Real Estate. As you can see Norman was always focused on maintaining the livelihood of his family and devoted his life to ensuring they were well taken care of. Norman was instrumental in sports and coached Little League Football for the JFL Normandy Vikings. He also was the co-owner of 2 horses (Nellie Cane and Trophy Club Cat) in which he raced often at Fairmount Park. Norman had a powerful impact on anyone and everyone he encountered. He had an infectious love for his family. Family was extremely important and his home was open to all. Norman was an advocate for civil rights and recently participated in the Ferguson protests. During Christmas last year he was instrumental in getting the family to adopt another family. He wanted for us to share our love and all that God had blessed us with. This over joyed him to see that his family was able to help another family get through the Holiday season. He would often say that we had to do something. We could not just sit on the sidelines that we needed to get involved. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Ardie Harris; 3 sons, Norman (Catina) Harris Jr.; Jonathan (LaToya) Harris and Wayne Harris; 4 grandsons Norman Harris III (Trey-Ace Deuce), Jonathan Harris Jr., Deion and Davion; 2 granddaughters; Jordyn Harris and Tori Harris; 2 brothers, Charles Harris Sr. of Monrovia California and Nathaniel (Elmira) Thomas Sr. of St. Louis, Missouri; a host of special nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Norman Harris, Sr.

June 7, 1943 - March 6, 2016