Birth Date: 09/14/1940
Deceased Date: 06/26/2021
The Obituary
God gave him his first breath on September 14, 1940. God allowed him his last breath on June 26, 2021, at 10:30 am at The Oaks at Whitaker Glen-Mayview Pruitt in Raleigh NC.
Alexander Robert Harlee, Jr was born to the late Alexander, Sr and Lula Clark Harlee on September 14, 1940. At an early age, he joined Martin Street Baptist Church. He attended JW Ligon HS and graduated in the class of 1958. Upon graduating high school, he attended A&T University and participated in the ROTC program. He was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam era. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Ft Bragg NC. He was a former member of Red Hill UCC where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, president of men’s ministry, sang in the senior & male choir, served as custodian, and as a church bus driver. He also attended New Bethel UCC and presently was a member of Maple Temple UCC of Raleigh NC. At Maple Temple UCC Robert served as a Deacon Emeritus, Trustee, usher, sang in the male choir, and participated in the men’s ministry until his health declined. Robert served faithfully and with enthusiasm with whatever position he held. He also attended Sunday school and bible study consistently.
Robert’s favorite scripture is Psalms 23 and his favorites songs were “I Will Trust in the Lord”, “I Shall Know Him” and “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”.
He volunteered in Johnston County Schools (was recognized multiple times for his service) and a great supporter of the National Association of University Women Clayton branch where he was recognized at the national convention held in East Rutherford, NJ.
Among his other achievements, Robert was the first black police officer in Clayton and the first black police officer to achieve the rank of Sergeant. He also worked with State Capitol Police under Governor Robert (Bob) W. Scott’s Administration. He retired from being a Greyhound bus driver and from the N.C. Department of Corrections. Robert was a charter member of the American Legion Post 518 Clayton, NC.
He married Christabelle Watson Harlee on December 23, 1965. To this union, three sons were born. He is preceded in death by his parents and step-father Richard Neal White, Sr, and a sister (Thelma Lucus Hardy). He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years (Christabelle Watson Harlee of Clayton, NC) sons (Alexander R. Harlee, III / Cynthia of Clayton, NC);(Christopher R. Harlee / Brenda of Smithfield, NC); (Ken Galloway Harlee / Tiffany of Clayton, NC); (Frederick Miles), a sister (Dr. Flora H. Cordett / Jerry of LA), a brother (Richard Neal White, Jr / Annette of Fuquay Varina, NC), one uncle (James Hawkins of Raleigh NC), a very special niece (Alesia Searles Green of Clayton, NC), 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
Robert was and will always be remembered for being kind and giving and for his outgoing personality. He would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it. A very special thanks to his special friends (Swade Sanders / Sarah; Earl Singletary / Beverly; Clifton Bullock / Viola; Willie Morgan / Lizzie; Theodore Holder), the staff and caregivers at The Oaks at Whitaker Glen, especially Dr. William Dunlap MD, Michael, Margie, and the Transitions LifeCare Team.
Graveside Service
Saturday, July 03
11:00 AM
Pinecrest Cemetery
12830 US 70 Business Hwy W.
Clayton, NC 27520
Entombment:
Saturday, July 03
Pinecrest Memorial Park
12830 US 70 Business Hwy W.
Clayton, NC 27520
