Ryland Michael Harris

Durham, NC - Reverend Ryland Michael Harris, husband of Wanda Bagbey Harris, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the age of 65.He was born on March 14, 1952 in Durham, NC to the late Emogene Gravitt and the late Ryland Pett Harris.Michael loved God, loved his family and loved life.He was happy all of the time; a true ray of sunshine to all he met.Michael received his Master’s Degree in Religious Education and declared his favorite part of ministry was to senior adults.He grew up in Amis Chapel Baptist Church and was a current member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh. Ryland Michael Harris is survived by his wife of 45 years, Wanda Bagbey Harris; son and daughter-in-law, Bryan Allen and Jessica Harris of Raleigh; daughter and son-in-law, Heather Lynn and Stephen Totty of Rolesville; grandchildren, Haley Harris, Craig Totty, Austin Harris and Harrison Totty; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Roy Laney of Oxford; nieces, Kristy Wilcher and Julie Davis and his aunt and uncle, Geraldine and Edward Compton.He is also survived by numerous cousins whom he loved like siblings.In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Isla Nelson Bagbey and Floyd Allen Bagbey. A Memorial service for Ryland Michael Harris will be held Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church 2100 Noble Road, Raleigh, NC 27608 followed by committal at 3:00 p.m. in the cemetery of Amis Chapel Baptist Church in Oxford, NC. The Reverend Terry Howard will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2017 in the Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh or Amis Chapel Baptist Church.On line condolences may be made at www.wclfh.com. The family is being served by Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home of Clarksville, VA.