The Reverend Donald Bell Harris passed away peacefully at home March 16, surrounded by family soon after his 88th birthday. Don was an inveterate optimist with a resolute belief in the worth of all people no matter, and perhaps because of, their inevitable imperfection. “There is a crack, a crack in everything – that’s how the light gets in,” a quote from a song by Leonard Cohen, was among his favorites. In contrast to his own challenging childhood, he and his wife of 60 years, Ruth Voss Harris, nurtured a close and loving family, which is what Don valued most. Along with Ruth, he is survived by his three sons, Timothy, Jonathan, and Christopher, their wives Amy, Stacey, and Rian, and six grandchildren, Sam, Ben, Cole, Anna Bell, Cleo, and Lila – as well as his rescue English Setter Abby.
After graduating from William & Mary in 1957, Don felt drawn to serve. He did so first as a Coast Guardsman, then as a social worker, before finding his calling as an Episcopal U.S. Navy Chaplain, providing council and support to Sailors, Marines, and “Coasties,” at sea and on land for 26 years. He finished his career as Senior Chaplain at the Coast Guard base on Governor’s Island, NYC. In 1971, Don founded CREDO, a program for military members and their families to provide a community of support based on God’s unconditional love. CREDO has helped tens of thousands and remains active today across the U.S. Navy.
Don returned to Williamsburg to serve as the Episcopal Chaplain to William & Mary and a minister at Bruton Parish Church. In 1996, he and his family founded La Tienda.com, a nationally known purveyor of artisan Spanish food. La Tienda combined Don’s dedication to family with his love of Spanish culture, sparked in 1965 when his destroyer squadron moored pier-side in Valencia. La Tienda’s success in introducing millions of Americans to Spain’s people, culture, and cuisine led the King of Spain to award “Don Don” His Majesty’s Official Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for his contribution to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
To his many friends on both sides of the Atlantic, Don will be remembered for being there when needed most, with open arms, no matter the circumstance.
A memorial service will be held at Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg, April 20, at 12:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s memory to the Boys Home of Virginia in Covington, Virginia (boyshomeofva.org).
