Lorenzo “Rennie” Wilbur Harris, III was born on July 31, 1953 to Dr. Lorenzo Harris, II and Gertrude Missouri Harris. He transitioned at the age of 65 on September 5, 2018. Rennie was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Asbury Park, NJ.
He attended Asbury Park public schools, Hampton University, then joined the US Army. Lorenzo was stationed in Germany and then later Kansas City, Kansas where he settled and married Barbara Davis Harris. He was the proud father of his pride and joy Kathryn Kellee Harris and Gina Davis.
His hometown family and friends were thrilled when he decided to return to New Jersey. And even more excited when he moved to East Orange, closer to his baby sister. He chose St Matthew AME as his church home.
He listened carefully to The Word, was moved by the spirit, delighted in the music and the Family Days, pushed through the Zumba classes, was proud to be an usher, and got great joy from working with Lillian’s Closet. Rennie was a good person, a man of faith who treated everyone with love. His voice was deep and his laugh was loud.
At any time, he would break out in song. He didn’t have much but would gladly give you the shirt off his back or a bed, and a couch or floor to sleep on. Lorenzo had so many passions.
He enjoyed meaningful conversation, he loved history, reading and going to the library. He loved to sing. As a youngster he thought he would be the next Smokey Robinson.
He loved to dance. In high school Rennie and his buddies formed a dance group, “The Sensations “. They participated in talent shows around Monmouth County and even performed at Amateur Night at the Apollo.
They didn’t win but met famed flautist, Patrice Rushen, who got booed off the stage that night. He loved music especially gospel and old school R&B. He remembered every song and every group that recorded it.
He was fascinated by real life murder mysteries and the ID network. He loved to call during commercial breaks of “The Haves and Have Nots”, the Giants, Eagles, Chiefs, Royals, or Jayhawks. Most of all, anyone that knew him knew that he loved to eat.
Every single meal was a feast. Mmm mmm good with a smile. Seafood was his favorite.
He ate lobster like most of us eat chicken. Rennie is predeceased by his father, Dr Lorenzo W Harris, II. He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Kellee Harris (Henry Pearson), and Ginger Davis; the brightest light in his life, granddaughter, Kinlee Harris; mother, Gertrude Harris Sealo; sisters, Sharon Harris, Kay Harris McKenna (Bill McKenna), and Nancy Harris Crooks; nieces, Britney and Morgan Crooks; cousins; and his best friend since childhood, Ed “Buster” Lattimore.
We miss you Rennie. We find calm knowing that you are at eternal peace in God’s hands.
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