Ryland Lee Harris Jr. was born on April 30, 1950, the first of three children born to Ryland Lee Harris Sr. and Jewel Cornelia Spence. He was joined by a sister, Brenda Michelle, in 1952 and a brother, Denis Lamar, in 1954. The siblings attended Kinsman Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1959, the family suffered a profound loss when Ryland's father succumbed to complications from pneumonia, leaving their mother to raise three young children, ages 5, 7, and 9.

In 1961, his mother began a union with Rufus Kinsey Sr. This union expanded the family with two more children, Jacqueline Jewell in 1963 and Rufus Jr. in 1966. Ryland, Brenda, and Denis all attended Rawlings Junior High School and East Technical High School. A remarkably intelligent and articulate young man, Ryland possessed the natural curiosity and presence of someone destined for great things. He eventually went on to study at Case Western Reserve and dedicated part of his professional life to helping others as a social worker.

Ryland's true passion, however, was music, an early love that would help define his life. He taught himself to play the bass guitar and possessed a rare musical gift. Although he could not read music, if he heard a song just once, he could play it and make it his own. He especially loved the Motown hits that were so popular during his youth. His talent was so well regarded that he was frequently recruited to play with various groups before eventually joining the celebrated 1970s music group, The Spinners. During his time with the group, he played bass on two number-one hits, "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "I'll Be Around."

Affectionately known as "Slim," Ryland found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with friends and family, and the music that had long been a part of who he was. Known as "Cussing Uncle" was cherished by his loved ones for his quick wit, easygoing nature, enduring presence, and dry sense of humor.

Ryland is survived by a daughter, Ry-Lynn Jewell Harris (mother, April deceased); one sister, Jacqueline Kinsey; one brother, Rufus Kinsey as well as nieces, nephews, other family member and cherished friends.