Darnell Harris

Darnell Lamont Harris was born in Chesterfield, Virginia, on November 27, 1961. He departed his life on March 29, 2023, at 10:24 AM at 61 years old with his brother, Ricardo “Ricky” Harris, by his side the whole time at the Advent Health South Hospital in Orlando, Florida. At an early age, Darnell had some health concerns.

Darnell was preceded in death by his parents, Linwood “Pete” Harris and Joyce Christine Jones; grandparents, Linwood Harris, Sr., Maria Harris, Otis Clarke, Sr., and Margaret Clarke; aunts, Irene Harris, Jean Harris, and Rose Parham; uncles, Ernest Harris, Alphonso “Al” Harris, and Otis “OC” Clarke, Jr. Darnell was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church, Centralia Kingsland Road. Darnell’s favorite sports teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers (professional football), Notre Dame (college football), and the Los Angeles Lakers (basketball).

Darnell played sports throughout his school years. At Lloyd C. Bird High School “SkyHawks,” Darnell’s football jersey was #32, the “Varsity SkyHawks,” and the team played in the AA Regional Playoffs. Darnell’s basketball jersey was #30, the “Varsity Cagers,” and the team played in the Regional AA Tournament and “WON” this game for the Title in the State. The “Varsity Cagers” also played in the State Finals which went into a Double Overtime by two points. Darnell graduated from Lloyd C. Bird High School in 1980. After high school, Darnell went to Liberty University on a football scholarship. Darnell worked at Reynolds Metals on Reymet Road, Chesterfield, Virginia, and for the County. Darnell also loved to cook, and he thought he was a chef.

Darnell’s mother, Joyce Christine Jones, “Auntie” or “Aunt,” would call Darnell “BEAN” and some other family members would call him “RABBIT.” Darnell moved to Orlando, Florida, on April 22, 2016, to live with his brother, Ricardo “Ricky” Harris, who was a DEVOTED BROTHER and DEVOTED CAREGIVER for DARNELL.

Darnell was a loving father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Darnell “loved dearly” his daughter, Lakayla. Darnell will be REMEMBERED by his FAMILY: his daughter, Lakayla Thomas; brothers, DEVOTED Ricardo “Ricky” Harris (Rosidah), Michael Harris (Jermall), and Mitchell Harris (Cassandra); sister, Terrish Clarke; aunts, Sarah “Berniece” Tyler, Carolyn Harris, and Diane Harris; cousins, Marilyn Henderson, Dewelt “Dee” Harris (Treva), James “Dwight” Parham, Corlette Harris, Tina Harris, and Arlette Harris; nieces, Michaela Harris, Jacquetta “Jacqui” Moore, Anjanee “Nae Nae” Moore, E`wana “Wana” Clarke, Amara Siegle, and Biance Siegle; nephews, William Ward, Mitchell “Lil Mitch” Ryan, Tevin Joyner, Mitchell “JR” Harris, Kashawn Harris, Michai Harris, Berry “BJ” Greene, Devin Greene, and Eric Siegle; good friends, Nathanial “Bobo” Jones, Tommy Wright, Harry Lee Washington, and Tony Boisseau; and a host of other relatives and friends.