Robert Lee Harrington, was born on March 5th, 1955, in Houston, Texas, to Robert Lee Sonnier and Gertrude Juanita Cole Sonnier. After the death of his father, he was adopted when his mother married Charles Edward Harrington.
On Saturday, March 5th, 1955 at 4:54PM in Heights Hospital, Houston, Harris County, Texas Robert Lee Sonnier was born to Robert Lee James and Juanita Cole Sonnier. When Robbie (as he was affectionately called) was 7 years old he lost his Father. At the age of 10 Robbie was adopted by his step-father Charles Edward Harrington. Thus, he became -- Robert Lee Harrington. Robbie also lost his step-father after 12 years. Maybe this was part of the reason he was always such a great father to his kids. He knew how important it was to have a Dad. Robbie always had time for any child and loved playing with his nieces and nephews. How proud he was to become a Grandpa when Isabella was born.
Robert worked as an electrician and for a local brewery before entering the Houston Fire Department in 1977. He became a licensed paramedic in 1979. He worked on the ambulance and in Telemetry for more than 18 years. He served at many fire stations throughout Houston. In 2002 he served at the Bush Intercontinental Airport as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. He worked hard and studied to achieve the rank of Engine Operator in 2005. This was a proud achievement for him. Robert was commissioned as a Sheriff's Deputy Reserved Officer in 1985 for Harris County. In 1990 Robert became a Sergeant Detective for Harris County Sheriff Department. During many of these years he drove for Central Freight Line.
He had great joy volunteering at the schools of his children and was a familiar face and presence on their campuses throughout his children’s academic careers. Robert was a lifetime PTA member. He was a member of the 100 Club. He enjoyed and was a participant in the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and Cook off.
Robert went to work for Metropolitan Transit Authority as a Police Officer in 1992. He has been in HOV Enforcement, Traffic Management, Transtar Central, Field Operations, 'Special Operations Response Team and Motorcycle Unit.
Despite Robert's many professional accreditations and accomplishments, his greatest joy and sense of pride came from his family. His smile came from the love, devotion and joy he felt for his loved ones. His legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of them. Strength, wisdom and drive were the threads of character woven throughout Robert. He was and is our hero. He is at peace and resting in our Heavenly Father.
He is survived by his wife Deborah Harrington; son and daughter-in-law Robert & Virginia Harrington; daughter and son-in-law Christopher & Nicole Bankston; granddaughters Isabella Sonnier Harrington and Kaitlyn Bankston; mother Juanita Hamilton and step-father Roy Hamilton; sisters Cathy Lynn Kuehne and Sarah Brooks; brothers Ricky Harrington and Charles Edward Harrington: many nieces and nephews: Craig & Elena Kuehne, Brandon Schlaffer, Brian Schlaffer, Khia Brooks, Salah Brooks and Reginald Brooks; as well as many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service was held 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 11th, 2009 at Humble Area's First Baptist Church located at 19901 Townsen Boulevard, Humble, Texas 77338, phone 281-446-8168. A funeral procession followed the service to Brookside Memorial Park located at 13401 Eastex Freeway (at Lauder Road), Houston, Texas 77039, phone 281-449-6511 for committal. A time of continued fellowship followed at a reception with lunch immediately following the burial from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at The Greer and Lowdermilk Conference Center located at 4225 Interwood North Parkway, Houston, Texas 77032, phone 281-372-5124.
Visit www.robertleeharrington.com for additional information and photos.
Robbie will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
