Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wesley Harris Jr.

Wesley Hendrix "Junior" Harris, Jr., 82, of Prescott, died Sunday, January 19, 2003, at St. Vincents Infirmary, Little Rock of complications following a heart attack.

He was born February 28, 1920, in DeAnn, to Wesley Hendrix, Sr. and Nobie Lee Burke Harris.

He worked as an inspector for McDonal-Douglas in aircraft manufacturing, producing war planes in Los Angeles. In the Infantry, he entered as a Private First Class and as a replacement soldier in the Battle of the Bulge. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II having received three bronze stars and three battle ribbons. his toes froze in the Ardennes forest in the worst winter on record. He told stories later of guarding German prisoners of war. One complained of how the U.S. Army was treating him and "Popo" kicked him in the knee. He told stories of humorous events of the war, but would seldom speak of the horrors except to say that his best service buddy was shot at his side. In 1945 he was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After the war, he also worked at North American Aviation, alternating living in Prescott and Los Angeles for about 15 years, finally settling permanently in Prescott around 1958.

Junior was a lifelong resident of Prescott, he was a homebuilder and carpenter through the 1980's, building many homes in Prescott, especially in the Robin Hood Addition.

He was married to the late Effie Lee Bowen Harris, in 1941. In 1978 they opened Effie's Flowers in their home on Hwy 24, next to Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1991. She preceded him in death in November 1992. He was the last of five siblings including the late Noel Harris (former pastor of Park Baptist Church in Prescott). "Junior" was a founding member, a trustee, and also served as a deacon for many years.

Junior was diagnosed with and fought diabetes for 25 years and his children ask that in lieu of sending flowers please donate to the American Diabetes Association. He was a Baptist and a member of Prescott V.F.W.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Effie Lee Bowen Harris, who died in 1992; and by two brothers and two sisters.

His survivors are: two sons, Kenith Lee Harris of Nashville and Donald Harris of Prescott; one daughter, Mary Ann Harris of Bodcaw; one special friend, Iva Lee Davis of Prescott; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2003, at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Raymond Hicks and Dr. David Blase officiating. Burial in DeAnn Cemetery in Prescott. Arrangements by Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott.