Tribute to Douglas A. Harris

              National Family Reunion Institute Advisory Board Member

      Pastor, Husband, Father, Uncle, Wordsmith, Communicator, Griot

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas A. Harris on May 27, 2026. Appropriately dubbed "The Encouraging One," Doug was exactly that from day one on his journey with the National Family Reunion Institute (NFRI).

Doug’s years of experience—assisting the planning of his own family reunion, mentoring younger generations, and sharing his marketing and communications expertise—were a perfect complement to the NFRI Board. His genuine personality, professionalism, confidence, humor, and ever-present smile were gifts to us all. He was the captain of our "Sticky Reunion Situation"fixes, providing invaluable advice and opinions to get family reunion planners (and reunions) back on track. And, his workshop presentations were always focused, engaging and on-point. He was a great man of God, colleague, mentor, and friend. He will be deeply missed .

Doug built his marketing and communications expertise during a distinguished corporate career, where he broke barriers as the highest-ranking African American Marketing Manager and Director across four Fortune 500 companies, including Scott Foresman and McGraw-Hill. A skilled communicator and strategist, he holds a BA in Education from The College of New Jersey and an MBA from Fordham University. He also leveraged extensive corporate and project management experience to excel as a Community and Public Relations Consultant.

Doug was a man who treasured the deep affection of two spiritual sons, five adoptive grandchildren, and a godson. An ordained minister, he studied pastoral counseling at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In the 1980s, he served as co-pastor at the second location of the Covenant House of God Church in Philadelphia, PA. Most recently, he served as an Associate Pastor at the Rock Kingdom Worship Center, Camden, NJ.

Doug and his wife, Myrna, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023. Together, they edited and published his family’s newsletter, and researched and printed a family directory. Doug’s passion for preserving history extends to his own self-published works which include his mother’s memoirs (The Marvel Chronicles); a memoir of the Black community where he grew up (Raised By Giants); and a short treatise on his grandfather entitled The Life, Legend and Legacy of John Allan Harris.

One of Doug’s hallmarks was his willingness to share his wisdom with others. He enjoyed responding to the 'Sticky Reunion Situations' presented to the NFRI. As a tribute to his legacy, we look back at some of his best advice. 

1. 202211 Homestead Reunion Locations Only

2. 201903 Maintaining Momentum

3. 202204 Planning Team Key Roles Blood Only?

4. 202308 Changing of the Guard Or Not

5. 202402 Everybody Wants to be the Boss

6. 201703 Same Old, Same Old

7. 201907  Reunion Discussions with Young People

8. 201904 Dress Code Violation

9. 202212 Intoxicated Family Members

10. 201705 M.I.A. Family Members

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For more Sticky Reunion Situations CLICK HERE