Harold Orr

Harold Dewitt Orr was born June 25, 1943 to John and Zola Mae Orr in Detroit, Michigan. After a brief stint in New York they returned to Inkster, Michigan where Harold attended school, graduating from Robichaud High School in 1961.

While attending Robichaud, Harold excelled at many activities including Band, Football, and held office as Junior Class President. Shortly after graduation he was recruited by Consumers Energy where he worked for 37 years as an Engineering Technician until retirement in 2000.

In 1964 he married Rita Horton and they raised two daughters, Anita and Kristina, until her death in 1993.

Having started with the clarinet as a child he became an avid musician playing the Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones as well. In addition to The Funky Situation, which performed locally in various nightclubs around the city, he also played in several other bands accompanying acts like Smokey Robinson and The Miracles and various plays and productions in Detroit. Most recently he divided his time between Rhythm Society Orchestra and The TNT Band.

Post retirement he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, often meeting at “The Ritz” for breakfast and going to exercise class with his partner of 14 years Brenda. Affectionately known as “G-Pa” he also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, usually while driving them to and from various school activities.

After spending his final years surrounded by family and love he made his transition on January 8, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents John and Zola, former wife Rita, and brothers Leon and Eddie (John Jr), he leaves his love and memory to his two daughters, Anita Herriotte (Michael) and Kristina Orr, grandchildren April and James Herriotte, brother Bernard Orr (Jeanette), partner Brenda Hamilton, friends William Bryant and Harry Todd, and a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones.