Harlis Edward Gee Jr Obituary (1947

Harlis Edward Gee, Jr., known as Harlis Jr., was born on January 4, 1947, in Lunenburg County, Virginia. He was the youngest child of the late Harlis E. Gee, Sr. and Marion Hopson Gee and worked alongside his siblings on their farm. He raised his family on the homestead and watched over it during his lifetime. While surrounded by his devoted daughters, Harlis Jr. quietly entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the Bon Secours Community Hospice House in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of 76, his well-fought yet wearisome battle with COPD ended as he peacefully slept. Harlis Jr. received his education in Lunenburg County and attended Lunenburg High School in Victoria, Virginia where he played on the football team. While in high school, he was voted "Best Dressed" by his classmates. After his graduation, Harlis Jr. joined his father in the electrician and plumbing professions. He mastered these trades and operated an electric and plumbing business in Lunenburg County. Regardless of the weather or time of day, Harlis Jr. always responded to a neighbor's call about a lack of water or no heat. People could depend on him to fix their leaking water heaters, burst pipes, and malfunctioning furnaces. Even when he could not perform the repairs himself, he supervised the work to ensure that it was done. During his youth, Harlis Jr. attended Bethany Baptist Church in Kenbridge, Virginia with his family. He was baptized at an early age and continued to be an active member until his health began to fade. Harlis Jr. sang with the church choir and served as a Trustee. He also offered a joyful noise unto the Lord as a member of the "Voices of Harmony." Harlis Jr. enjoyed meeting new people and spending time with friends. As a younger man, he traveled locally and played baseball with the Mt. Zion Red Lions baseball team. He also went rabbit and squirrel hunting with family members and neighbors when he could. Although he often struggled with his shortcomings, Harlis Jr. loved his children and his family. He was a happy outgoing character who will be remembered for his colorful exploits and generous spirit. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Willie Nathaniel Gee and two sisters Lois G. Browne and Juanita G. Baine. Harlis Jr. leaves behind numerous loved ones who will miss him. He is survived by two daughters Latoria Gee and Lisa Harper; his two sons Jermaine (Latrice) Gee; Preston Logan, Sr., four granddaughters Melissa Harper, Kiana Logan, Jernyce Gee, and Tamiya Logan, five grandsons Preston Logan Jr. Jushad Gee, Tremaine Allen, MeShawn Harper, TyShon Scott, and Jeremiah Gee, eight great-grandchildren, Dai'Jeon, Amauri, Malani, Greyson, Taniya, Mekhia, Leighton, Allysa'h, and Donte Jr., his cherished sister Mary Annette Jones, his dear former wife Penny Wingfield Gee, with whom he shared a union of love for twenty, eight years, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and goddaughter De'naysia Blackwell, four dedicated friends, Mumford Gee, Micha "Shawn" Hawkins, Mary Smith, and Lisa Edmunds. Isaiah 41: So do not fear, for I am with you; ... do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Well Done