Born on May 4, 1951, Richie lived a simple life, known as being neighborly and hospitable. He had a love for coastal communities but eventually found himself with a devotion to the gentle town of Raphine that became his home for decades.

Richie was the father of Richard Harris and Tamika Harris, and proud grandfather of Aaron, Jaylen, Donovan, Anaid, Nadia and Journey, along with four great-grandchildren, all through his first wife.

Remarried, he shared an enduring bond with Ineke, his wife until 2017 and cherished friend to the end of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Harris Sr. and Ruth L. Harris, laid to rest at the historic Evergreen Cemetery of Lexington, and his beloved brother Pedro. He is survived by siblings Selma, Omawali, Howdy and Rashida.

Richie’s life was full of service, creativity, strength, and spiritual devotion. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and National Guard, earning a Meritorious medal and recognition as a Small Arms Expert Marksman, he had a career with the railroad and National

Park Service.

Richie was tended to by Harrison Funeral Home of Lexington, and his life was celebrated and laid to rest with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, Calif., with flag presentation to his son and Navy veteran.

His humor, affection for Jesus and gift for small talk will be greatly missed.

Arrangements were by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.

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