CIAA Hall of Famer Archie Harris passes
July 6, 2008
CIAA Hall of Fame basketball official Archie Lee Harris has
passed. He departed this life on July 2 at the age of 83.
Harris began his athletic career as a multi-sport performer in
football, basketball, baseball and tennis. Upon graduation from
Armstrong High School in Richmond, VA, he served as a Master
Sergeant in the Army during World War II. He earned his B.S. degree
from Virginia State College (now University) where he was a member
of championship football and basketball teams.
Following his graduation from Virginia State, he began working with
Richmond Public Schools (RPS).
As one of the first African-American physical education teachers is
the system, Harris brought disciplined athletic training methods to
students in the school system. Arthur Ashe, Jr. was one of many
students who learned tennis under his tutelage.
Harris later served as a principal and then as an administrator who
would retire after 54 years of service as director of School Plant
Services. During his tenure at RPS, Harris earned his Master's and
professional degrees from Columbia University in New York.
He may best be remembered for his second career as a basketball
official for various conferences including the Virginia High School
League and the CIAA where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in
1992.
In 1974, Harris was offered an opportunity to become one of the
first African-American referees in the NBA but chose not to leave
his family for the extensive travel required.
A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he was an avid tennis
player, winning several city and state championships.
He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Shirley Savage
Harris; his son, Archie Lee Harris Jr.; his daughter Kelly
Harris-Braxton; a son-in law, George P Braxton; a grandson, four
sisters-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews.
The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 at 12 noon at First
Baptist Church of South Richmond.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Richmond
Public Schools Education Foundation's Archie L. Harris Sr. Memorial
Scholarship Fund, 301 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The
scholarship benefits students who demonstrate athletic and academic
excellence.
