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Ralph & Melba Harris
The following is from the Biographical History of Primitive or Old School Baptist Ministers by David Montgomery and Mark Green:
2001
Elder Ralph Edward Harris was born August 24, 1938 in Washington County, Florida, the middle son of Elder Horace Edward and Lela Wells Harris. He united with Bethel Church near Bonifay, Florida, on April 19, 1959 and was baptized the following month, May 3rd, by his father in Holmes Creek at Vernon, Florida.
Elder Harris began speaking in the church from the floor when he was 21. The first time he was called on to speak in the name of the Lord was on Dec. 13, 1959 at Beulah Church near Enterprise, Alabama. He was liberated on Oct. 1, 1960 and ordained April 1, 1961.
He was married to Melba Jones on Dec. 24, 1961, and baptized her into Bethel Church on April 1, 1962.
Elder Harris has served several churches in some capacity over the course of his ministry. These include New Mt. Zion, near Samson, Alabama; Enterprise, in Enterprise, Alabama; Antioch, near Texasville, Alabama; El Bethel, in Tampa, Florida; Pleasant Hill, in Graceville, Florida; Harmony near Barwick, Georgia; and Corinth, and New Home, both near Red Level, Alabama.
In 1976 Elder Harris was asked by the Board of Trustees of the Advocate and Messenger to assume the editorship of that publication, which is a Virginia-based Primitive Baptist periodical dating back to January, 1854.
2017
Elder Harris has authored many poems and articles published in many Primitive Baptist periodicals and papers. He was a prolific writer for the Primitive Baptists.
OBITUARY
August 24, 1938 – December 14, 2016
Elder Ralph Edward Harris, age 78, of Washington County Florida passed away December 14, 2016 at his home. He was born August 24, 1938 in Caryville, Florida. Eld. Harris was preceded in death by his father, Elder Horace Edward Harris and his mother, Sis. Lela Asenath Wells Harris.
Elder Harris is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sis. Melba Harris of Caryville, Florida; one son, Bridgman Harris and wife Elizabeth of Pansey, Alabama; one daughter, Abigail Chambliss and husband David of Malvern, Alabama; two brothers, Kenneth Harris and wife Mary of Pensacola, Florida and Howard Harris and wife Brenda of Caryville, Florida; five grandchildren, Scott Clay and Casey, Candi Royal and Dillon, Heath Clay and Celeste, Kelli Hardy and Morgan, Maggie Chambliss; five great-grandchildren, Drew Clay, Hannah Clay, Kaden Royal, Tristan Hardy, Alice Grace Chambliss; numerous nieces and nephews. |
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