LeRoy W. Harris Jr. passed away quietly Wednesday afternoon, February 16, 2005, at Saint Louis University Hospital from complications after contracting the flu.
LeRoy was born Feb. 12, 1916 in St. Louis, the only child of Eva Mae Harris, nee White, and LeRoy Watts Harris Sr. He was educated in St. Louis Public Schools and attracted to music by his father and uncles. His father had performed on the riverboats in St. Louis and at the Cotton Club in New York. Uncle James
Harris taught LeRoy to play violin. Another uncle, Arville Harris, introduced him to the world of the stage.
LeRoy’s love of the saxophone can be attributed to his mother. While they were in Chicago, she took him to see Fess Williams. The saxophone was the most enthralling sound he had ever heard. He later learned flute as well.
In Harris’ jazz career, he performed with many greats, including Earl “Fatha” Hines, Billie Holliday, Billy Eckstein and Sarah Vaughan.
In 1943, LeRoy enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the band at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Great Lakes, Ill., where he became part of the Great Lakes Experience, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt assigned 5,000 musicians into bands for the war effort.
After a failed early marriage, LeRoy came back to St. Louis to marry his hometown sweetheart, Lola Wallace, who preceded him in death. Both were longtime, devoted members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
LeRoy is survived by an elderly aunt, Mrs. Loretta Thomas of Milwaukee. He leaves to mourn his loss his colleagues in the Musicians Association of St. Louis, Local 2-197, APM and his devoted friends and caregivers.
Funeral services will be held today, February 24, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 2831 N. Kingshighway, with burial to follow at the National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks.
In lieu of flowers, send tributes in memory of LeRoy W. Harris Jr. to the Cameron Youth Orchestra, c/o CASA, 560 Trinity Ave., University City, MO 63130.