Walter Frederick Harris Jr

Walter Frederick Harris, Jr. a beloved and respected native New Orleanian and resident of Slidell for 19 years, was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the age of 51. Walter was a dedicated husband and phenomenal father with a selflessness and unwavering commitment to being there for others. His dedication and love for his wife, Cheri Carrere Harris, was the purest bond of any couple. They worked well together to give their children everything while seamlessly enjoying life together for over 26 years. They enjoyed traveling, going to festivals, concerts, Mardi Gras balls, Broadway plays and sporting events. They especially enjoyed cheering on their favorite team, the New Orleans Saints, as 20+ year season ticket holders. Walter’s dedication to his family was his #1 priority; this is displayed in his children. All three are kind, respectful and driven. He loved his children, Chelbe (Florida A&M ’19), Walter, III (United States Military Academy/West Point ‘23) and Madison Harris (5 D1 scholarship offers) unconditionally. Walter was the ultimate sports dad. He spent his weekends at football, baseball or softball fields coaching and cheering on his children. He was affectionately referred to as “Coach Walter” during his time at Slidell Youth Football Association (SYFA) and Slidell Bantam Baseball Association (SBBA). He epitomized what it meant to be a Coach Dad! He was the son of Myra Duhe Harris and Walter F. Harris, Sr. (Elouise) and the brother of Dr. Steven Harris (Danica) and Stacey Harris. He was the son-in-law of Monica and George D. Bozonier, Jr. and the late Larry Carrere, Sr., and the brother-in-law of Chanell Carrere Gross (Marcello), Larry Carrere, Jr. and Christopher Stuart, as well as an adoring uncle to a host of nieces and nephews. Walter was a graduate of McDonogh 35 Senior HS Class of 1986, where he was a member of the marching band, and a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He began his 20-year career in education as a teacher at his alma mater, F.W Gregory Junior HS, where he went on to become the department chair and disciplinarian. After Hurricane Katrina, Walter moved to G.W. Carver Senior HS where he served as the Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and Athletic Director for both Carver HS and the Recovery School District. Most recently, he was an Assistant Principal at KIPP Central City Academy. Walter is survived by a host of extended family members and countless friends. He will be well-remembered by the members of the Vikings Krewe, Inc., as well as the staff and students of Gregory Jr. HS, Carver Sr. HS, KIPP Central City Academy, and by the coaches and athletes of Northshore HS, the LA Voodoo, and USMA (Black Knights). We would like to thank, family and friends, for acts of kindness, prayers, and other expressions of love. In addition, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at Slidell Memorial Hospital for their courageous and tireless work during Walter’s hospitalization where he passed away from complications of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In lieu of flowers, we ask that charitable donations be made to Son of a Saint. These donations will help to support the Walter Harris, Jr. Scholarship Fund, which can be found at www.sonofasaint.org/walter. This charitable organization aligns with Walter’s mission to mentor and enhance the lives of underprivileged young men. Due to COVID-19, the funeral service is private. Information regarding the memorial service to celebrate the abundant life and legacy of Walther F. Harris Jr. will be announced later. Interment: St. Louis Cemetery #3. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home New Orleans.

Walter Frederick Harris Jr

February 9, 1969 - April 7, 2020