Raymond C. Harris Jr. (R.C.), 88, of Stephens City, Virginia, passed away on September 17, 2021, at his home.

R.C. was born in 1933 in Roanoke, Virginia, the son of the late Raymond C. Harris Sr. and Frances L. Harris. The love of his life and wife of 68 years, Evelyn C. Harris, preceded him in death on January 18, 2020. Surviving are his three daughters—Terri Harris and Laurie Harris of Greenville, North Carolina, and Cindy Forse of Stephens City, Virginia; his grandchildren—Alex Rosen, LaRissa Marie Chapa, Brian Forse, Lindsay Houston, and Shelby Forse; his sisters—Gloria Housley and Carol Metcalf (George); and his seven great-grandchildren.

R.C. was a devoted, hardworking family man. He was a loving brother with a playful sense of humor. He loved life and often lived in the moment. He laughed easily and brought laughter to others.  Throughout his life, R.C. enjoyed and cherished long-lasting friendships and never knew a stranger.

R.C. was a Korean War veteran, serving as a Navy seaman aboard the USS New Jersey. He was a Fairfax County police officer for 11 years and served on the motor squad for some time. He was well thought of by his fellow officers, some of whom he remained in contact with to this day. He retired as a self-employed roofing contractor, a craft he learned from his grandfather as a teenager.  Mr. Harris was also a loyal member of the American Legion. He was a craftsman and a life-long learner. He constructed a beautiful screened porch when he was well into his 70s. He then developed a passion for woodworking and delighted in creating bird feeders, wishing wells, planters, and more. Along with woodworking, he enjoyed cooking and his beloved dog, Monty. He even learned how to use a tablet in his 80s and became the King of Googling Everything from how much movie stars made to recipes for dinner. YouTube became his go-to resource for how to do new things.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 26, at 11 a.m. at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia, followed immediately by a celebration of life at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the Omps Funeral Home reception center.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hyland Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, by calling 718-987-1931, or on their website at www.t2t.org.

About Tunnel to Towers: “On September 11, 2001, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller was one of the 343 department members who gave their lives while saving others. We honor their sacrifice and all 2,977 souls lost that day. For 20 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored Stephen’s legacy by supporting the heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty. To mark its 20th anniversary, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is delivering 200 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes (first responders and military) throughout 2021.”

In light of the recent increase in COVID cases, the family strongly encourages the use of masks.