Gregory Leon Harris was born July 12‚ 1970‚ to Nathaniel and Nezzie Harris. The eldest of four‚ he had a special and loving bond with each of his siblings. As a child‚ he was inquisitive and eager to experience new things. Greg accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age‚ believing that God was his firm foundation and with him all things were possible. Greg had a strong passion to serve people. He attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church‚ where he was one of the leaders of the singles’ and men’s ministry‚ served as an usher‚ and sang in the choir.

In high school Greg competed in track and field‚ winning first place for his school district. After graduation‚ he entered the United States Marine Corps. Due to his leadership ability‚ he was chosen to be on the frontlines defending the U.S. in the Gulf War. Greg received the National Defense Service Medal‚ Sea Service Deployment Ribbon‚ South West Asia Service Medal‚ Combat Action Ribbon‚ Meritorious Service Medal‚ Kuwait Liberation Medal‚ and Navy Unit Commendation.

After his honorable discharge‚ Greg worked as a hospital security guard‚ where he was exposed to the world of emergency medicine. He studied to be an EMT at Miami Dade Community College‚ became a state certified firefighter at Florida State Fire College‚ and was certified as a police officer through Valencia Community College. With a variety of skills under his belt‚ Greg prayed about which field to work in. Within a few months the Miami Dade Fire Department offered him a job‚ and he began his career as a firefighter.

Greg continued to work hard‚ earning certifications for driver operator‚ marine firefighter‚ and HAZMAT technician. He served with the department honor guard and on the urban search and rescue team. He chose to work in one of Miami Dade’s busier battalions‚ serving the community in which he was raised and which he cared about so much. With over twelve years of outstanding service‚ Greg gave his life serving others.

Greg had a special passion for the youth in his community and served as a coach for several youth football teams. He helped develop the players’ skills and was a mentor to the boys‚ helping them recognize the importance of an education. He felt he was making a difference that money or accolades could not buy.

Greg was a man of courage‚ determination‚ wisdom‚ and character. People of all walks of life were captured by his friendliness‚ humor‚ and spontaneity. He was a hero and a man of bravery and faith. May the life that he lived speak for him. He has fought the good fight of faith to the very end‚ and God is well pleased.