Virgil Ernest Harris, Jr.

Virgil Ernest (Ernie) Harris Jr., 76, passed away December 12, 2020. Ernie was born January 17, 1944 to Virgil E. Harris Sr. and Ruby M. Harris in Riverside, California. Ernie was the oldest of four siblings Bill, John, Phillip and Doris. He was preceded in death by his parents Virgil E. Harris, Ruby M. Harris as well as his brothers Bill, John, and Phillip Harris. Ernie is survived by his sister Doris, his wife Wenda (Wendy), his children Tamara and Jeffrey, his Son-In-Law Steve, his Daughter-In-Law Michelle and his four grandchildren Amanda, Megan, Lindsey, and Elias.
Ernie grew up in Moreno, California where he attended Moreno Valley Elementary School as a child and eventually graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy where he was stationed on the U.S.S. St. Paul during the Vietnam War. His time in the Navy was spent working in communications while onboard ship. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he continued to work in the communications field by gaining employment at Pacific Telephone. He was employed there for 44 years where he underwent several company transitions within the company. Those transitions included the merger with AT&T, the split off to Lucent Technologies, and eventually finishing his career with Avaya when he retired in 2006. He had an attention to detail which also carried over to his income tax service started in 1979. He had a knack for doing taxes and has gained many friends and clients over the years.
At the age of 24, he met and married Wenda and built a long lasting marriage of 52 years. Ernie loved to spend time with family and had many adventures in his lifetime. He enjoyed traveling with Wendy after his retirement and they have seen many places together. Some of his more enjoyable trips were his trips for his ships reunions where he met up with his Navy friends. It was always an adventure as they held the reunions in a different state each time. Ernie was blessed to able to make several trips with Wendy to various places including Laughlin and Maui. They really enjoyed traveling together as well as meeting friends for breakfast on the weekends and a monthly lunch with friends from his work.
Ernie will be deeply missed and well-remembered for his witty personality, vast knowledge of electronics and taxes, his famous Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and the fun times he shared with family and friends. He was truly loved by many and will remain treasured in our hearts and memories.
A private service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery for the family.

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