John E. "Bill" Harris

Mr. John E. “Bill” Harris, a resident of Biloxi, MS died at Biloxi Regional Hospital on February 17, 2015 at the age of 85 years old. He has gone home to be with the Lord. Mr. Harris was born June 7, 1929 in Davisville, FL. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. His family was his life. He loved them deeply and was deeply loved in return. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a self-employed ceramic tile contractor on the Gulf Coast for over 40 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, John C. and Georgia E. Harris; son, Johnny D. Harris; grandson, John Colby Harris; and brother, Arthur Harris. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Geraldine “Jerri” Harris; son, Kenneth (Sandy) Harris; daughters, Lynn Gerych, Cassie (David) Forshee, and Renee Harris Jenkins; sister, Grace Rummell; grandchildren, Dana, Kit, Jay, Justin, Jennifer, Kelly, Meagan and Branden; great-grandchildren, Logan, Averie, Ayden, Peyton, Jace and Jayla. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ronnie Franklin; sister-in-law, Diane Hazelwood; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A private memorial service for family and friends is planned at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.