Naaman Harris was born November 23, 1938, in Bonifay, Florida to Charlie C. and Lillie Mae Harris.  He was the youngest of 5 children and was affectionately known as Geech by his siblings.  The Lord called him home on August 8, 2024, from Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Care Center of McKeesport, PA. 

Naaman’s family migrated from Bonifay to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where many of his family members and friends reside to this day. He later moved to the Pittsburgh area, where he resided until his death.

Naaman graduated from West Philadelphia High School and obtained employment at the Philadelphia General Hospital. He later attended and successfully completed a carpentry training program and became a licensed general contractor. His skills and discipline were exceptional, and he became one of only two African Americans accepted into the Philadelphia Carpenters Union during this period.

As a young man, Naaman married and to that union, he was blessed with three children. He later remarried Juanita Williams Harris.

Naaman accepted Christ as his personal Savior at a young age. He was a member of the Mount Olive Church, Philadelphia, PA., where he joined the choir and eventually accepted his calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Naaman and his family later joined Community Bible Tabernacle, Philadelphia, PA., under the pastorate of Bishop W. W. Smith, where he served on the Elders/Ministers Board, Usher Board, and Gospel Choir. Naaman loved to sing and was affectionately called “James” by his Philadelphia family & friends because he considered himself to be a duplicate of James Cleveland gospel music super-star!!! Naaman was committed to his church and was a faithful member until he moved to Pittsburgh, PA. Naaman was a member and deacon of the Petra International Church of Penn Hills, PA. He later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church in McKeesport, PA where he attended Bible study, enjoyed listening to the Word of God, and of course, joined the choir.  As a matter of fact, the common theme at the nursing facility from the med teams was how he would serenade them with his “church songs. “

After every task or greeting, he completed his thoughts with “It’s All Good!” These words are a clear symbol of his light-hearted demeanor. He was very sociable and loved to laugh and it didn’t matter where he was, if something was funny, he was going to laugh, during church service, at a funeral, or anywhere! He also loved good jokes and if you didn’t have one, he surely did. Naaman was a bit competitive as well. He enjoyed a game of checkers, tonk, and throwing horseshoes.

Naaman was an excellent driver and was often found transporting family, friends, and church members to concerts, conventions, and reunions. He also patiently taught his daughters and their friends how to navigate the road when driving cross-country.

His super favorite activity was Eating!  He would arrive right before the food was to be served and he would try everything… no talking, just chewing and listening.   Because he was a SUPER slow eater, he would still be at the table (alone & sometimes humming) after the meal ended, dessert had been served, and we were cleaning up!!!  Right now, he’s probably looking for a piece of cake to dip into his milk & honey or preparing for rehearsal with the heavenly chorus!!!

Naaman was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie C. & Lillie Mae Harris, his brothers, Timothy Harris, Chalmus Harris, and Benjamin Harris, his sister Jay-Hazel McGill, and his son, Naaman Michael Harris.

He is survived by his loving spouse Juanita of 23 years, his daughters by his former wife, Yvonne D. Harris of Philadelphia, PA, and Caroline Harris-Clark (John) of Bear, DE, his daughter-in-love, Jacqueline D. Harris, his two grandsons, Michael A Cheatham, Naaman M. Harris, Jr., 8 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.