John Ray Harris, a longtime resident of Tuleta, Texas, went to rest with Jesus beside his wife, Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 1:19 A.M., at LifeCare Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 72 years, 8 months, 8 days.

John was born September 21, 1939 in Green, Texas, the son of John L. Harris and Euodias Bownds Harris. He graduated Karnes City High School and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville. He later went on to receive his Master’s Degree from Texas A & M University. John was an educator for many years having taught at, AC Jones Beeville, Del Valle Austin, Texas A & M Extension Services, Southwest Texas State University and Pettus ISD. John retired from teaching with the Kenedy Independent School District.

On June 17, 1961, John married his beloved wife, Carol Berniece Williamson in Port Lavaca, Texas. In 2011, John and Carol celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage. The two of them were blessed and together they shared their faith and were active members in the Tuleta First Baptist Church, where John was Song Director.  John and Carol spent much time together having both been very active in Gideon’s International and the Karnes County Retired Teachers Association. Carol preceded John in death on April 25, 2012.

John is survived by his mother, Euodias Bownds Harris of Marshall; his sons, John Quentin Harris and wife Martha of La Vernia and Gerard Barton Harris and wife Geniene of Tuleta; sisters, Barbara Atkinson and husband Franklin of Marshall, Norma Noah and Husband Don of Corpus Christi and his precious grandchildren, Stephanie, Jake, Danielle and Seth Harris. Mr. Harris is preceded in death by his father, J.L. Harris and his beloved wife, Carol.

Visitation was held, Monday, June 4, 2012 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held, Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church Kenedy, with Rev. Jack Allen and Rev. Vernon Andrews, officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery with Dr. Franklin Atkinson officiating. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to; Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 88, Beeville, Texas 78104; or donor’s choice.