Clarence Edward Harris “Gooch”

Clarence Edward “Gooch” Harris was born on December 9, 1946, in Durham, North Carolina. He was the

son of the late Maynard and Annie Mae Pugh Harris.

According to GOD's will, Death’s Angel visited Clarence Edward “Gooch” Harris on April 28, 2025, at the

Hock Family Pavillion, surrounded by family. The LORD, in his infinite wisdom, granted us the serenity to

accept what we could not change, as GOD’s will was what was best for Clarence. His word is always

True!

He received his formal education from Durham Public Schools and Durham Technical Community

College, where he received an associate degree. Clarence was a member of Greater St. Paul Missionary

Baptist Church under the leadership of W. T. Bigelow and worshipped at various other churches

throughout the city including Greater Joy Baptist Church and Antioch Baptist Church. He served in the

Army National Guard and over the years worked for Duke University Hospital, Durham Public Schools,

Durham Parks and Recreation, and Sears Appliance Center. Clarence was also the owner/operator of

Harris Home Improvement for over 25 years, where the slogan was, “We’ll Make it Pretty!"

Clarence had a strong, clever, and jovial spirit and a sharp wit that would surely turn your head or have

you bursting at the seams with laughter! He was widely known for his dapper attire; he was one of the

best-dressed men to ever come through the City of Durham! In his words, he loved “pretty clothes!"

Often referred to as the mayor of the “Albright” Community, he alongside other Albright Willing

Workers, orchestrated events to help foster community pride and honor the community elders. A

community servant was surely who Clarence was at his core! In addition to the Albright Willing Workers,

Clarence was also affiliated with the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge of Durham, NC. In his spare time, he also

loved to fish, hunt and watch cowboy westerns!

GOD blesses us all with unique gifts and talents. Clarence was blessed with the gift of motivational

speaking. Motivational speakers inspire, motivate, and transform their audience, Clarence incorporated

all these attributes into his writings and public speaking. He spoke and wrote from a place of

authenticity, empathy, and passion; he was able to guide his listeners on a relatable journey that often

challenged their thinking on how to love one another or by illustrating how GOD restores! He coined

phrases like “Kids would rather pick up a pistol instead of a pencil” to signify the sign of the times or “I

pray that GOD holds you so tight that you have to push away to breathe” which reiterates GOD’s

promise that he will never leave you or forsake you! He passionately believed but also helped others to

understand that it “matters not when and where you die, but whose arms you die in”!

Clarence was proceeded in death by his grandmother Minnie Watkins; brothers Cleveland “June Bug”

Harris, Clifton “Pee Wee” Harris, and grandson JaVaun “Jay” Graves.

Clarence leaves to celebrate his glorious memory, 4 daughters, Steveatte Bailey and Cheryl Harris (AL)

both of Durham, NC, Allison Harris (John) of Louisburg, NC and Yolanda Bratcher (Kevin) of Haw River,

NC; 1 son, Michael Mitchell (Roxann) of Miami, Florida; a loving sister, Patricia Harris of LaGrange, GA;

12 Grandchildren, Bianca Jones (Jay) of Franklinton, NC, Darius Harris of Cary, NC, Gregory Currie

(Kyandra) of Charlotte NC, Decario Harris of Timberlake, NC, Mykia Mitchell of Virginia, Kaelin Cadlett

and Kayla Cadlett of Haw River, NC, and Jessica Currie, Montreal Coleman, Jante’ Graves (Kiana), John

Graves, and Keauntea’ Royster all of Durham, NC. 9 Great Grand Children, DeCari Harris, Jhamari

Graves, Mehkhi Graves, Carter Harris, Cairo Harris, and Zacharia King all of Durham, NC; Journee Jones

and Bella Jones of Franklinton, NC and Gregory Currie III of Charlotte, NC. A special friend Daisy Clayton

of Durham, NC; 4 bonus children, Carson Mungo, Reginald Mungo, Barry Johnson and Sherri Johnson

and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and caring friends.