CIAA Hall of Famer Archie Harris passes
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on July 07, 2008 CIAA Hall of Fame basketball official Archie Lee Harris has passed. He departed this life on July 2 at the age of 83. Harris began his athletic career as a multi-sport performer in football, basketball, baseball and tennis. Upon graduation from Armstrong High School in Richmond, VA, he served as a Master Sergeant in the Army during World War II. He earned his B.S. degree from Virginia State College (now University) where he was a member of championship football and basketball teams. Archie Lee Harris Following his graduation from Virginia State, he began working with Richmond Public Schools (RPS). As one of the first African-American physical education teachers is the system, Harris brought disciplined athletic training methods to students in the school system. Arthur Ashe, Jr. was one of many students who learned tennis under his tutelage. Harris later served as a principal and then as an administrator who would retire after 54 years of service as director of School Plant Services. During his tenure at RPS, Harris earned his Master's and professional degrees from Columbia University in New York. He may best be remembered for his second career as a basketball official for various conferences including the Virginia High School League and the CIAA where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1974, Harris was offered an opportunity to become one of the first African-American referees in the NBA but chose not to leave his family for the extensive travel required. A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he was an avid tennis player, winning several city and state championships. He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Shirley Savage Harris; his son, Archie Lee Harris Jr.; his daughter Kelly Harris-Braxton; a son-in law, George P Braxton; a grandson, four sisters-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews. The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 at 12 noon at First Baptist Church of South Richmond. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation's Archie L. Harris Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, 301 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The scholarship benefits students who demonstrate athletic and academic excellence. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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