Roger Earl Harris

Roger E. Harris was born to the union of Mildred Brooks Harris and Roger Harris in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 18, 1941. Mildred Brooks (housekeeper) was a resident of New Orleans, his father Roger Harris (Longshoreman) was born in New Roads, Louisiana but later moved to New Orleans, LA as an adult. Roger Earl accepted Christ as a teenager where he was baptized and worshiped under the leadership of the late Rev. Louis Joseph Jackson of Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church in the lower 9th ward. He was a part of a 4- member male gospel group that sang at various churches for Sunday Services. Roger was educated in the New Orleans Public School System. In 1960, immediately post-graduation, Roger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty. Upon returning from the military, the New Orleans Transit Authorities hired Roger as a Bus Driver. He later completed training through the New Orleans Police Academy (NOPD) to become a Police Officer. During his time as a Police Officer, Roger worked with Special Tactical Forces – VICE, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and served as Executive Security to Mayor Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial. After retiring from the NOPD he accepted an assignment under the direction of the Former Civil Sheriff of Orleans Parish Paul Raymond Valteau, Jr. where he worked until he retired immediately post Hurricane Kartina. Roger returned to service with the Civil Sherrif’s Office under the then leadership of Marlin Gusman. During his latter years with the Sheriff’s office, Roger served a special assignment as Head of Security for Jackie Brechtel Clarkson until he retired. Roger’s commitment to service also included him spending time on active duty with the United States Marine Corp, United States Air Force Reserves, and United States Marines Reserves until he retired. Roger affectionally known as “Pickle,” was proceeded in death by Oueen Ester Gray (wife), Roger Harris (father), Mildred Leola Brooks (mother), and Laura Harris-Pack Davis (sister). He leaves to mourn his death his daughter, Kylie Lynn Harris Griffin (Ronnie), and his son Cedric Gray. His siblings include Brenda Harris Gatlin, Lela Harris, and Dr. Rebecca Harris-Smith, (Murphy), 2 grandchildren Kylie and Ronni Griffin. He also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend his Funeral Service at Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125 on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:00 am, with Bishop Brandon Boutin, Officiant. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.ocm to sign the guestbook.

Roger Earl Harris

March 23, 2024