Robert Harris

Mr. Robert Roy Harris, affectionately known as Uncle Roy, was born in Macon, GA, on October 11, 1939. Robert was the cherished son of Walter Harris and Nina Lee Flynt Shurney Harris. His life journey concluded on July 3rd, 2026 at the age of 86, in the comfort of his home, in Atlanta, Ga. Leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.

Family was the cornerstone of Robert's life serving as the beloved Patriarch for many years. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers: Roosevelt, William Henry, George, Walter, Solomon, Richard, and Carlton, and his sisters Cleo, Annie Lee, Jeannette, Elizabeth, and Luetta. He also cherished the memory of his aunts Henrietta Flynt Nottingham, Lucinda Flynt Henderson, Mary Frances Harris Flynt Hollingsworth, Teresa Harris Kemp, Mattie Harris Berry and Geneva Harris Turner: and uncles: John Flynt and Albany Harris, Sr.

Robert was an individual of unique qualities whose life was a celebration of knowledge and kindness. He graduated from Ballard Hudson Highschool, in Macon, Ga and later from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Ga in 1963. His commitment to education exemplified through his service in the US Army. He continued his career as a Media Specialist for the Atlanta Public Schools till his retirement on February 1, 2000. Even after retirement he wasn't done yet, he went back to Substitute for Atlanta Public Schools for a few years.

He resided in Atlanta, Ga for over 40 years. He was a devoted church member of Beulah Baptist Church under the guidance of Pastor W.L. Cottrell, where he was an active and cherished member of the Adult Sunday School class. During prayer calls with the Family, he frequently shared insight on passages and information learned so that the family would be enlightened concerning God's Word.

Robert's passion for learning was boundless. He was an avid member of the Audubon Society, and his travels to Africa in the 1960s were marked by his enthusiasm for sharing the wonders he encountered through photography and slides. His love for books and education was a gift he generously shared with his family, often bringing books to family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays, thereby nurturing a deep appreciation for knowledge and reading among his loved ones.

As a librarian, Robert was known for his dedication to his students and his passion for literature. He was a guiding light in the lives of many, cultivating a love for reading and learning that went beyond the classroom. His legacy was not just in the books he managed but also in the minds he shaped. To quote Albert Einstein, "The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library," and Robert ensured that everyone knew that location and what it held within its walls.

Robert is survived by his beloved Matriarch of the Harris family, his niece Helen Griggs Blackshear, as well as his dear nieces Willie Mae Wise, Barbara Ann Harris, Stacey Johnson Monroe, Karen Mills; great niece, Kalaya Sumareh and family sisters-in-law: Catherine Harris and Eloise Harris and many other loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. His life was also enriched by the enduring friendships with Rocky Grant and Harold Baldwin.

The family extends their sincerest gratitude to his Great Niece Mrs. Kalaya Sumareh and her children, Anu Mullins, Jordan, Omar, Malik, Amiyah, and Amir Sumareh, for their loving care during Robert's later years in life and his final days at home.

Uncle Roy's legacy of love, learning, and family unity will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and education, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

His life will be celebrated at Beulah Baptist Church, 170 Griffin Street Northwest, Atlanta, Georgia, 30314, on Friday, 24th July 2026 at 11:30 am EDT.

We invite all who knew and loved Robert to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Let's remember and celebrate the life of a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge.