Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Hesterly Harris

Mr. Hesterly Ray Harris, 67, born and raised in Prescott, passed away in Ripon, Calif.

He died peacefully by his family and two dogs after a short fight with cancer.

The sun rose on Hesterly, on March 22, 1937, and the sun set on Monday, September 20, 2004. He was the son of the late Will Harris and Olean Hollomon Harris. He was a graduate of Prescott High School, class of 1955. He joined the army and was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, Calif., where he met and married his wife of 43 years, Patricia Morrissey. They made their home in Livermore, Calif., for 37 years then moved to Ripon, Caif., for the last two years.

Hesterly is survived by his wife, Pat Harris; one daughter, Denise Lynn and husband, Kevin Casson of Ripon; three sons, Daniel Ray and wife Tammy of Delhi, Calif., John Dallas of Livermore, and Kenneth Patrick of Pleasanton, Calif. He also had six grandchildren, Alex and Max Casson, Heather, Daniel, Leslie and Steven Harris. Hesterly also leaves behind three brothers, Billy Joe of Washington, William Carol of Alabama, Olen Dale of Arkansas and one sister, Barbara Ann of Arkansas, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews and special friend, Joanne McKinnon. He also had two beloved dogs, Bridget and Murphy.

Hesterly retired 12 years ago from the Oakland Navel Air Station as a parts specialist in transportation. He built a cabin from the ground up in Westpoint, Calif., where he spent a lot of his free time. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding in his jeep.

A memorial service was set for Friday, September 24, at 11 a.m. at the Free Methodist Church, 218 West Main St., Ripon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, Calif., 95204.