NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Rev. Dr. Marcellus Harris Jr., a prominent former Newport News pastor, passed away at 81.
Congressman Bobby Scott responded to the news of his death by saying "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Marcellus Harris Jr. ...I send my sincere condolences to Mrs. Harris, Councilman Harris, his family, and all those positively impacted by Rev. Harris’ life’s work.”
Scott said that Harris Jr. retired in 2016 after serving as pastor of First Baptist Church Morrison for 45 years. Scott described the Reverend as a "tireless advocate for racial justice, equality and civil rights."
First Baptist Church Morrison said he passed away on Saturday, February 10, and announced that they would host a Public Viewing for him this Saturday with guests invited from 6 to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will also occur at the church on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.