John Harris

Mr. John Harris was a hardworking, thoughtful, energetic and charitable gentleman. He was born on June 20, 1950 to Edward and Willie Mae Harris at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. John was the third born of seven children. He was baptized in 1967 at St. Ann Catholic Church.  John was the proud product of Saint Louis Public Schools, attending Lincoln Elementary School, Riddick Elementary School and completing his education at Vashon High School. He acquired an early love for cars and took the vocation of an auto mechanic straight out of high school. He was an apprentice under Mr. Williams, proprietor of Williams & Sons Auto Body, during his later years as a student at Vashon High School.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge in March 1973. John worked for a short period of time at Litzinger Auto Body and bought the business, along with Jim Ross, after the owner retired, thus renaming it H&R Auto Body.

John was a loving and thoughtful father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, employer and businessman. He extended his caring attitude to anyone who crossed his path. John had a unique way of finding time to lend a helping hand no matter how busy he happened to be. He especially loved to aid in the advancement of his Black culture.  John never dwelled on the impossible, only what is possible. He departed this life on July 12, 2014 at 5:09 p.m. at DePaul Health Center.

He leaves to cherish his memory three children: DeJeanette Rene Williams, John “John Boy” Harris and Devin Spencer Harris; one daughter-in-law: Endria Harris; four grandchildren: Breionna Tavia Lewis, Nadia Rene Harris, John Edward Douglas Harris, Jr. and Ta’Leyh Harris; seven siblings: Mary Ann Harris, Edward “Butch” Harris, Pearlie Mae Harris, Justine Harris, Florence Mitchell, James Harris and Subira Murchid (Favorita Jackson); one uncle, Warren Harris; two aunts: Marie Harris and Beulah Kennard and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and a multitude of friends.