Obituary of Arley Harris

Arley Lester Harris, Sr. January 31, 1937 - February 4, 2013 Arley Lester Harris was born on January 31, 1937 in Rutledge, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Charles Harris. He lived in Tennessee until the age of 16, and then he moved to Monroe where he resided the remaining of his life. Arley married the love of his life, the former Dorothy Bray on April 14, 1988 in Monroe. The couple took their spiritual nourishment at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Arley had been employed with Monroe Public Schools for more than 30 years. Arley was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. He considered his spot in front of the television to be the best seat for watching the game, especially since the beer cost less than $10 a mug. He also enjoyed tinkering on cars, playing pool, and was a very good bowler. Arley was typically a homebody who loved his grandbabies and liked to relax; however, on Friday's, his friends and family would party at the local pubs. Arley was a fun, loving man who had a great life. Arley Lester Harris, Sr. passed away at 11:18pm on Monday, February 4, 2013 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: his twin, Charles, and J.T.; two sisters: Mary "Bell" McHeehan, and Evelyn Bentley; two brothers-in-law: J.F. McHeehan, and Gene Bentley; and a granddaughter: Jaime Lee. To cherish his memory, he leaves behind, his beloved wife: Dorothy "Cis" Harris; 11 children: Ronald (Linda) Harris, Terry Harris, both of Tazewell, Tennessee, Brenda Harris of Oregon, Judy Hill of Harrison, Michigan, Arley (Patricia) Harris, Jr. of Waco, Texas, Howard Harris, Novalynn (David) Stremmell, Andrew Harris, Ayden Harris, Wendy Bray, and Matthew Bray, all of Monroe; 3 sisters: Ann (Jack) Packard of Morristown, Tennessee, Bonnie (Archibald) Bates of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Lee Burke of Hot Springs, Arkansas; 23 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am on Friday, February 8, 2013 also at Merkle's. Pastor Roy Southerland, Pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, will officiate. Cremation will follow will Southern Michigan Services Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.