Obituary of Selwyn Hawk Harris

Selwyn Hawk Harris, after 90 years on earth, went to heaven on January 3rd, 2021, to be with his Savior and the relatives and friends who had gone on before him, after a heart attack on January 2nd. He was able to say goodbye to his loving wife, Margie, and daughters Becky and Beth.

Selwyn was born on May 9, 1930, in Pensacola, Florida, to Roy and Alienis Harris. He was married to Emogene King for 40 years until she went to be with the Lord. He then married Margie Vogt, a family friend since 1966. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Melvin, Herman, and Calvin, and is survived by his wife of 28 years, Margie, brother Jack, two daughters, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Selwyn gave his life to Christ and was baptized when he was nine years old. In his young adult years, he felt called to preach. He graduated from Howard College in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1952, and Southwestern Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1957. He was a gifted pastor, preacher and teacher who served at various Southern Baptist churches in Texas and Arizona, including pastoring the Sabino Road Baptist Mission in Tucson and leading the building of its first auditorium. He used his talents as a chaplain, in social work, and in construction, maintenance, and management at Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Arizona Baptist Children’s Services 1972 to 1993, helping to expand their reach in care for those in need. The people he came in contact with felt welcomed and loved.

Selwyn had a wonderful, full life, enjoying and giving of his time and talents to his wives, children and grandchildren, teaching the Bible, caring for and socializing with friends, and officiating at the weddings and funerals of several family members. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors fishing and hunting, traveling around the U.S. in RV’s, and he visited Asia and Europe. Reading and watching westerns, and watching sports, were favorite hobbies. Selwyn’s wisdom, advice, practical help, giving heart, and love will be greatly missed.