John William Harris, Jr.
John William Harris, Jr., of Arlington passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at Medical City Hospital of Arlington with his wife Karen at his side. A memorial service celebrating his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in the Chapel of Memories at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home in Breckenridge, Texas.
John “Dude” Harris was born in Breckenridge Texas on September 19, 1950. He was the firstborn child to John William Harris, Sr. and Burneta Mabel Harris. After moving to Arlington, Texas, at a young age, John grew up playing baseball for Ousley Junior High School and finished school at Arlington High School where he continued playing ball.
John began working at General Motors on May 2, 1972, where he worked across the line from Karen –who would soon become his wife of 47 years. They were married on May 19, 1974, and spent the rest of their life loving and caring for one another. He retired on March 1, 2004, after 32 years of dedicated service working both day and night shifts in many departments: an achievement that he was very proud of.
John had many interests that included a love for hunting at his deer lease in Breckenridge with friends and family while blazing trials in his jeep, teaching many life lessons and learning a few along the way. This would be a place where some of his fondest memories would be made with all who came. He would always insist that you have a good time… along with a cold beer. He loved coaching his son Jeremy in sports and had a passion for teaching and mentoring the kids he coached. Many holidays were spent on a field somewhere with a ball and glove.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Burneta; sister, Mary Ann; along with his grandparents, great-grandparents, and his beloved Schnauzer Emma.
He is survived by a family that loved him dearly: his wife, Karen; son, Jeremy Harris and wife Carrie; grandchildren, Haley Anne and husband Clay Gibson, and twins Cash and Jeddy Harris; great-grandchildren, Case Carter and Blakely Renee Gibson; as well as many cousins nieces and nephews, all of which he loved dearly.
Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.
