Phillip Lee Harris

Phillip Lee Harris, 76, of Waldorf, MD, transitioned to his heavenly home to be with Jesus on October 14, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Son of Nancy (Hayes) and Roy Harris, he was born on April 2, 1948, in Washington, D.C.

Phil attended Anacostia High School and shortly after graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Hunter, whom he met at church. He proudly served in the Army, was deployed to Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in January, 1974.  After proudly serving his country, Phil began a career as an IT Specialist with the Metropolitan Police Department. He then went on to open his own painting company, Harris Painting, for more than two decades serving the DMV area. Once Phil retired from painting, he became an ordained minister and served as Senior Pastor for more than fifteen years. He officially retired doing what he loved the most, helping others!

We lost our most beloved husband and dad. Many have lost a treasured loved one and friend in him. He has been a rock and a mentor to many, a master at sarcastic humor and corny jokes, but no matter what, if you were in need, he would be there to give you the shirt off his back.  There is so much more to him than just husband or father. He took his title as Grandpa seriously, as well as his role as brother, uncle, cousin, friend, stand-in father, advice giver, handyman, landscaper, guitarist, the list goes on.

Phil loved spending time with his family, especially his angel Janet, taking her on lunch dates to Red Robin, Olive Garden or trips to Lancaster, PA.  Additionally he loved playing golf with his brothers, riding his Harley Davidson with his cousin David Hayes, playing his guitar accompanying his wife while she sang and watching the Redskins play, but most of all, he enjoyed the title of Dad and Grandpa and spending quality time with all of them.

Phil was preceded to heaven by his parents Roy and Nancy Harris, brothers Ralph(Peggy), James(Mary) and Michael Harris along with many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Phil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet, his three children Fara (Jason) Walent, Owen Harris, Kerry (CJ) Johnston, and his six grandchildren: Phillip and Hunter Harris, Carmine Grenier, Grace Eiland, Chase and Seth Johnston.  He is also survived by his brothers Roy (Janet) Harris, Allen (Twila) Harris and sister-in-law Donna Harris, and many other beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Phil is also survived by his honorary children Robert Mathieu (Jamie) along with his four honorary grandchildren: Victoria Fitzgerald, Jemia, James and Joi Mathieu and his honorary great grandchildren Jaeloni Mathieu and Malaysia Coley. 

A special celebration of life service will be held at Arehart - Echols Funeral Home

211 St. Mary’s Ave., La Plata, MD 20646. Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 4 pm - 7 pm,  and Saturday, October 26, 2024, 10 am - 11 am.  Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11 am on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

For those who wish to honor Phil’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the following charities which meant so much to him. If you choose to donate, please list  “in memory of Phil Harris” in the memo of your check or in the field of the online form.

Mike Black Ministries: Mike Black Ministries | Building a better Guatemala

P.O. Box 740928

Arvada, CO 80006

OR

DAV - Disabled American Veterans

DAV.org

3090 Crain Hwy

Waldorf, MD 20601

OR

P.O. Box 14301

Cincinnati, OH 45250 

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