Obituary of Robert Lawrence Harris

Robert Lawrence Harris (Flat, Bobby) was born October 19, 1953 at Somerset Medical Hospital, Somerville NJ, to the late Clifford and Helen Harris. He departed this life on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, peacefully at home in the comfort of family and friends.

He attended Franklin Twp. Public Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1972. While at Franklin he played football, baseball, and basketball. He loved to play all sports, which carried on into his adult life. He played on many of the local teams in Franklin. Bobby also loved to bowl. He would spend a lot of time bowling at Hamilton Lanes.

He loved working in the yard so much that he started his own landscaping business. He had businesses in North Brunswick and New Brunswick looking prestige with his landscaping skills. He spent many years providing landscaping services in Hidden Lakes as well. He also owned a commercial cleaning business.

He enjoyed watching sports, coaching little league baseball, Popwarner football, YMCA basketball, going to games, and most importantly, spending time with his family. He loved watching his grandchildren grow up, it was the highlight of his life. Bobby gave love to everyone he came into contact with. He always had that ray of a smile when he said wazzz uppppp, follow by him laughing. You couldn’t help but laugh with him. That’s what made everyone he came into contact with love him unconditionally. He was always the same.

He was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Helen Harris, brother Warren Chapman and Clifford Harris II, and his oldest grandson John D. Parkins Jr. He is survived by his children, Shaneka Johnson of Jacksonville, Florida and Robert (Bobby) Johnson of Somerset, New Jersey; Sisters Patricia Chapman and Yvette Brazziel-Sims (George Sims); Brother Clevond Henry; 6 grandchildren, Diavion Johnson, Robert L. Johnson II, Zyan Johnson, Jasmine Hancock, Mekhai Johnson, Ahmir Johnson, and Gabriella Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind a long-time companion, Dawn Vandyke.

There are so many people that loved our dad and he loved them. The families that he considered his family and they also considered him their family as well. We have a life time worth of memories that will live forever. Bobby and Shaneka would like to say Thank you. Remember all of the good times that he shared with each and every one of you. The imprint that he left on everyone’s heart will reflect in a different way. Today..we smile.

We love you Daddy…Neka and Bobby