Ray Harmon is pictured above at one of the many events that he participated in with educating and advocating for organ and tissue donation. This event was a Faith-Based and Health Care Community Reception held at Heartlove Place in 2011 recognizing Pastor Richard Rogers, a heart donor recipient in 2011, Jay and Ray, who was a heart donor recipient in 2007. (Photo by Robert Bell)
Ramon (Ray) Harmon was born on February 4, 1967 to the late Mary Alyce Peters Harmon of Omaha NE. Ray peacefully transitioned to eternal life surrounded by loving family and friends on Feb. 25, 2013. Ray celebrates his homecoming joining his mother (Mary Alyce P. Harmon), aunt (Lorraine Carter), uncles (Henry Peters), (Veledis Carter) and many other family and ancestors.
Grace, dignity, courage, faith, outgoing, giving father and friend are all words that describe Ray. As an athlete Ray played ice hockey as a child from 6 years-old to 12 years-old.
He was a smart student and earned a high school education at Jean Nicolet High School in Glendale, WI. At Nicolet he played point guard and was named all conference honorable mention in 1985. He went on to attend UW–Whitewater and UW-Milwaukee where he studied Political Science and served in leadership positions in the Black Student Union, Student Association. He also joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1989.
His life was dedicated to making a change in the political world. Ray began his journey working with County Executive Terrance Herron, and Alderman Paul Henningsen.
Ray then went on to further his political career by running for alderman; although he was unsuccessful it did not stop Ray’s determination to pursue his career in politics.
In 2002 he worked for Jim Doyle during his first campaign for Governor as the Milwaukee Field Organizer and later the Base vote Director for the Coordinated Campaigns.
In 2003 he was appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to become New Products and Economic Development Director for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development.
In early 2007 Ray received a heart transplant. One of his passions outside of politics was increasing Organ and Tissue Donor rates. He volunteered as a spoke person for the Wisconsin Blood Center Donor Network and other health care charities advocating the prevention of obesity, juvenile diabetes, kidney disease and high blood pressure all of which can lead to organ failure.
In late 2007, he worked for former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz as his Assistant and Policy Liaison.
In his last position he served as Senator Lena Taylor’s Deputy Chief of Staff.
At the time of joining her staff Taylor stated, “I am pleased to welcome Ray Harmon to my office as Deputy Chief of Staff.
Ray is a leader in our community that has the skills and vision to connect the people of Milwaukee to the work we do in the Capitol. Ray will help to serve to my district more efficiently and be a major player in policy decisions to grow jobs, develop entrepreneurship, and redevelop our community infrastructure.”
Ray was the founder, of Harmon Consulting LLC. A Strategic, Tactical, Campaign and Policy Development Information provider. In 2011 with the help of family and close friends Ray ran a close race for alderman in the 9th district knocking on over 1,000 doors.
Ray fought a long battle with various health obstacles, but he truly was a champion and will be greatly missed.
He leaves behind one son Dominique Lamar Johnson, Milwaukee, WI, Aunt Celestine Strozier, Detroit, MI, Aunt Harleen Peters, Milwaukee, WI. (Henry-deceased), Cousin Cecil Williams, Milwaukee, WI, Cousin Michael Carter, Milwaukee, WI (Nori), Cousin Henry Peters Jr, Milwaukee, WI. (Cecilia), Cousin Kim Strozier, Detroit, MI, Cousin Annette Peters, Milwaukee, WI, Alayna Harris Milwaukee, WI (James), Pamla Jones, Madison WI. (Devin Hester) God Mother Barbara Cassius ,Minneapolis, MN, and a host of relatives and close friends.
Celebration of the Life of Ray, A Father, Family Man and A Friend will begin with a Memorial and Tribute Service that will be held on Monday, March 4 at Greater New Birth Church
The visitation will be held at Greater New Birth Church, located at 8237 West Silver Spring Drive, (414) 264-5683, from 5:00-7:00 pm, followed by the Memorial and Tribute Service from 7:00-8:00 pm.
On Tuesday, March 5, Ray’s funeral will be held at Christ The King Baptist Church, located at 7750 North 60th Street, (414) 371-5000.
Family and viewing hour will begin at 5:00 pm and funeral services begin at 6:00 pm.
Repast immediately following the service at Christ the King Church.
The Ray Harmon Memorial Fund is now set up and available to accept donations at any Wells Fargo Bank location nationwide. Donations should be made out to: The Ray Harmon Memorial Fund.
The family and friends of Ray Harmon thank you for your prayers and support. Condolences may be sent to: The Harmon Family, 4523 North 68th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53218.
For additional information please call (414) 979-9637.