Obituary of Alexander D. Harris, Sr.

Alexander D. Harris, Sr., age 98, residing in Jacksonville, Florida transitioned to his Heavenly Home on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Alexander D. Harris Sr. was born on May 3, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Roosevelt Harris, Sr. and Annie Harris. Alexander was one of five children. His upbringing was shared with his siblings, Roosevelt Harris Jr., William (Bill) Harris, Lawrence Harris and Florence (Harris) Francwar. Alexander graduated from Vashon High School St. Louis, Missouri in 1943. Alexander served in the Navy from 1943 - 1946 as a U.S. Navy, Fireman, Second Class. He entered the Navy Class A Service School at the U.S. Naval Training Center starting as a Subgroup IIIa (Machinist Mate). Alexander married Minnie P. (Scales) Harris on June 15,1947 in St Louis, Missouri. The couple had two children, Sandra Yvonne (Bonnie) and Alexander D. Harris, Jr. O.D. Upon discharge from the Navy, he entered a Finance Trade School and finished as a journeyman. This career path did not suit him, so he embarked upon a career carrying mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). He loved the people on his routes and delivered mail to those families for the next 33 years. After a rewarding career with the USPS, he retired. Retirement was great but he needed something more to do and was employed as a clerk with the St. Louis Court System for the next 14 years. Upon retiring for the second and final time, he and his wife Minnie traveled to as many places as they could. They loved their cruises to the Bahamas, Mexico and Jamaica. Alexander was known for his love for contemporary jazz, and he had a great music collection to prove it. Alexander was an avid football fan. He and a group of good friends known as the "The Big 10" would rarely miss a St. Louis Football Cardinals home game. When the Cardinals were not playing at Busch Stadium, each member of the "Big 10" would take turns hosting watch parties complete with lots of soul food and plenty of libations! Every summer the Big 10 would invite their families and friends to legendary gatherings providing tons of BBQ, matching "Big 10" t-shirts and baseball caps. Alexander would take LOTS of pictures at these events and many others. He would always have his camera ready to capture all the special moments. The love he poured into his photography was reflected in the volumes and volumes of pictures, slides and photo albums. He was METICULOUSLY organized, yet highly entertaining. "A place for everything and everything in its place." We all enjoyed his great sense of humor. It continues to leave an impression on all of our lives. Alexander loved babies. Some of the most important events in his life were the birth of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who all lovingly called him "Popsie". Alexander "Popsie" Harris was a man who cared for people and would assist, guide and support them when they needed it most. He believed in God, our Creator and Jesus, our Savior. He attended church and contributed regularly. Alexander's glass was always half full rather than half empty and he would want the commemoration of his life to be a celebration. Mr. Alexander D. Harris Sr. leaves to cherish in his memory: his daughter, Mrs. Sandra Yvonne (Bonnie) Reynolds, son-in-law, Mr. Charles Arthur Reynolds, son; Dr. Alexander D. Harris Jr. and daughter-in-law, Ms. Lisa Harris; his grandchildren: Carmen Buchanan, Ian Buchanan, Damon Harris, Erica Barnes, Charles Adrian Reynolds; his great-grandchildren: Nia Buchanan, Dominic Harris, Adrienne Barnes and Alexis Barnes; his beloved siblings: Florence Francwar, Lawrence Harris (Elaine), William (Bill) Harris, and Roosevelt Harris Jr. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Alexander was preceded in death by his beloved wife Minnie P. Harris, his mother Annie Harris and his father, Roosevelt Harris, Sr.