Randall E. Harris

Randall (Randy) E. Harris, 70, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at his home with his wife by his side. He was born on July 1952, in Utica, New York to Anna Mae Harris and the late Rossle Lee Harris.

Randy's pursuit of his bachelor's degree started at the University of Dayton in Ohio, continued at Colgate University, and was completed at the State University of New York at Albany. After receiving his bachelor's degree, Randy remained in the capital district working as a Personnel Arbitrator with New York State until his retirement in 2008.

Randy and Shawne Thomas were married on September 18, 2022, with anticipation of many years together. Although their time together was short, their memories and love continue.

Randy is survived by his wife, Shawne; his loving children, Ranika (Lakeysha) Harris of Atlanta, Jena (Lauren) Harris of Philadelphia, and Randall (Estefania) Harris of Philadelphia; his stepsons, Norman Allen of Brooklyn, and Marc Allen of Albany, Nashawn Joseph (US military active duty); his stepdaughters, Loreal, India, Mercedes, Sable and Martia Meadows of Albany and Shawnna Joseph of Albany; his sisters, Rosalind Harris of Utica, Reba (Karl) Natt of Charlotte, and Valarie Harris of Albany; his brothers, Robert Harris, MD of New Jersey and Rossie Harris, Esq. of Providence; and a host of grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

Randy always had a love of sports. As a child he played marbles, baseball, lifted weights, shot arrows and was excellent at hitting his target when blowing peas through a straw. In high school he excelled in basketball and over the years grew to love all sports. He had a non-committal enjoyment of the New York Giants "G-men", but anyone who knew him knows his true love was Off Track Betting. He was an avid reader, at times reading 3 books at a time and completing 2-3 books a week. He enjoyed gardening, discussing current events, politics, economy, social issues, spending time on his porch during warm summer evenings and Wednesday mornings and afternoons with his mother.

Randy was predeceased by his first wife Norise Harris, his father Rossie Lee Harris, and his younger brother Sabin C. Harris.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189 on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 10am to 12 pm with a funeral service to follow at 12pm. Burial will follow the service at Albany Rural Cemetery.