Mr. Raymond Leander Harrison

Mr. Raymond L. Harrison was born Thursday, October 22,1942 in Ouachita County, Arkansas. He was the only son of the late John D. and Catherine Matlock (Fred, biological father). He was born in Ouachita County, Arkansas but was raised and lived in Sparkman, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Catherine Matlock, his sisters Anita and Christine; his uncles, Reuben, Thomas, and Franklin (Barbara), his aunt Marie and his son-in- law Richard. Raymond accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age. He attended Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. H.Z. Hall in childhood. He was educated and graduated from Sparkman Training School in 1961. Upon graduating, he left Arkansas to live in Kansas City, Missouri with his Uncle Irving. While in Kansas City, he united with and faithfully attended Canaan Missionary Baptist Church (now Canaan Worship Center) under the leadership of Rev. Robert B. Poe (now Bishop Tony D. Cobbins). While attending Canaan, he met his beautiful wife, Mable R. Harrison. The two of them were joined in Holy Matrimony on April 24,1965 and blessed with four children Karenina, Yolanda, Ramania and Fitzgerald whom they cared for and raised with an abundance of love. Raymond and Mable were happily married for 61 wonderful years. He was employed by Montgomery Wards where he worked as an elevator operator. He was promoted to supervisor and retired after 25 years of service. After which, he was employed by KCATA Metro Bus Company where he worked as a public bus driver for 20 years before retiring for good in 2007. Raymond and Mable enjoyed life and retirement together. He was faithful and committed to his family. He was a stern man, full of honor and integrity. He was a lover of all kinds of good food and beautiful music. He was a jack of all trades who enjoyed taking care of his home and being very creative in building and making things. He also had an affinity for clocks, and he made many of them. He was a collector of coins and model cars. He loved to travel and took the entire family on many fun road trips to the West Coast. Raymond departed from this life to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 27, 2025. He was loved by many and leaves to cherish his memory his beautiful wife, Mable Harrison; his only son, Leander Fitzgerald Harrison (Linda); three daughters, Karenina Wright of Texas, Yolanda Crabtree, and Ramania Standifer; eight grandchildren, NaKisha, Ashley (Mzee), Shardae, MerCedeez, Alexander, LeAnn, Raymond II, and Skylar; eight great-grandchildren, Jayvon, Jawuan, A’kirra, Imani, Grace, Joy, Elijah and Amiyah; three great-great grandchildren, Gianna, Jayviany, and A’kirr; one brother, Billy (Pat); three sisters, Charlene (Phillip), Alice (Ken), Barbara (Oliver) and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services Friday, August 8, at 11:00am at Canaan Worship Center. Interment Mount Moriah Cemetery. Visitation 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mr. Raymond Leander Harrison

October 22, 1942 - July 27, 2025