Alvin (Skip) Harris was born in Los Angeles, California on July 28, 1937 and passed away on August 20, 2020 at his home in Merced, California after a short battle with cancer. Alvin lived his early years in Newman, California where he helped run their family business. He attended Newman schools and graduated high school there. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea for almost three years. He raised his three children Lori, Rhonda, and Randall in Morgan Hill, California.
Skip married Lutie Reid in 1996 in Aptos, California and they spent the next 23 ½ years enjoying life by traveling to Australia, Italy, Spain, Hawaii, Arizona, and Cabo San Lucas for many years.
He was a successful businessman in the Bay Area (both Salinas and Concord). He owned Cinderella Carpet Stores in both cities until his retirement in the early 2000’s. After retirement, he needed a hobby beside playing golf, so he drove for Uber for several years until his health failed. He really enjoyed being with people so this was a very good pastime for him. He was truly a people person with such a positive attitude about life in general.
For several years, Skip enlisted as a CASA Advocate in Merced and had a wonderful relationship with his CASA child. They created a wonderful relationship and grew to love one another. Being a CASA advocate was one of his fondest memories.
He enjoyed being a husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. His family was very important to him including his immediate family and his nephews and niece.
Playing golf with his buddies, Bible study with his group, Poker with his friends, fantasy football with a group, solving his puzzles each morning with Lutie brought him joy. He was a man of God and lived his life with compassion for the needy, especially children.
Preceding Alvin in death are his parents, Mary and Adron Harris and his brother Neal J, two step-children, Diane Romero and Michael Reid and brother-in-law Ronnie Freitas.
He is survived by his wife of 23 ½ years, Lutie Harris, his three children, Lori March (Robert), Rhonda Buckner (Frank), Randall Harris (Jennifer) and his two children Madison Harris and Christopher Harris and also his stepdaughter, Sharon Reid. His four grandsons, Ian Reid (Justine), Corey Reid (Alexandria), Christopher Reid (Melissa), and Joseph Romero. Four great grandchildren, Gavin Reid, Wesley Reid, Desiree Reid and Julien Reid.
Also surviving Alvin are his sister Bobbye Freitas and brother Ray Harris (Rosina) niece Heather and nephew Michael and their children, Steve (Michelle), Darryl (Debbie) and one niece Leann Jackson (Ed) as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
Alvin (Skip) will be sorely missed by family and friends. His positive attitude was admired as he always saw the brighter side of life. He was a blessing to all who knew him.
There will be no service (per his request). Private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa of Merced in Alvin's (Skip) honor.
