Wayne Harris

Wayne Doyle Harris, 72, of Aurora, Colorado lost his battle and succumbed to stomach cancer on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

Wayne Doyle Harris was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Rufus Doyle Harris and Willie Estelle Jones-Harris on January 6, 1951.  He attended and graduated from Shaw High School where he excelled in wrestling, winning several awards in his weight class.  After graduation, he worked at Metropolitan Hospital as an orderly in the Burn Unit. In 1974, he met and later married Novella Finley from Wickliffe, Ohio. Wayne was hired  by United Airlines in 1974 and started in the Flight Kitchen, but through dedication and great work ethics, worked his way up to the position of Lead Ramp Serviceman. In 1981, Wayne and his wife were transferred to Seattle, Washington where they started their family and welcomed their two sons.  In 1986, the family transferred to Colorado and bought a home in Aurora, Colorado; their daughter was born a year later. Wayne’s children were the most important part of his life.

Wayne was a devoted father and excellent provider for the family.  He was an avid bowler and was known to be the best “anchorman” for his team. Besides bowling, he loved sports, traveling, playing cards, and cookouts with his close friends. Wayne worked for United Airlines for over 40 plus years, but had to take an early retirement due to health issues. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Wayne is survived by his children; his daughter, Mara Harris; his sons, Marcus Harris and Michael Harris; his daughter-in-law, Jadecinie Harris (Marcus’ wife); three grandchildren, Amia Harris, Alia Harris, and Azia Harris (Marcus’ children). He also leaves two sisters, Gwendolyn Glenn, Juanita Aikens; and his brother, Charles Jones all from East Cleveland, Ohio, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Wayne is preceded in death by his sister, Alberta Vickers; his brother, Leroy Jones, his brother, Robert Jones; his sister, Catherine Harris, and brothers-in-law, Homer Vickers (Alberta’s husband) and Arthur Aikens (Juanita’s husband).

The Harris family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all the friends who sent condolences, flowers, and other expressions of love and sympathy.