He was born August 1, 1930 in Cotton Springs, Mississippi to the late James Garfield and Lou Eda Clay Harris as the youngest child of 15. He went on to graduate as “Mr. Belmont High” from Belmont High School in 1949.
Red Dog served in the United States Air Force, including a deployment to Korea. After an honorable discharge, he began a long career with the United States Postal Service until his retirement from the Regional Office in 1988.
A lifelong fisherman, he was a founding member of the Memphis Bass Club. During his retirement, he saw an opportunity for an employee discount and became the first person hired in the fishing department at Bass Pro Shops’ Macon Road store where he “worked” for many years. He was also an avid Ole Miss sports fan, attending the vast majority of Ole Miss football games since the 1950s, watching most of them with his wife from Section G, Row 37, Seats 5-6.
Red Dog was proudly married to Jo Ann Harris for 67 years, and if he knew anything, it was that he “married up.” He was quick to brag on Jo Ann to anyone willing to listen (and undoubtedly, many who weren’t). Red Dog and Jo Ann were members of Central Church for many years and loved their church family.
Along with his parents, Red Dog was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherrye Harris Clark, and his fourteen brothers and sisters. Red Dog is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Black Harris; three grandchildren, Erin (Katie), Meredith (Brett), and Tyler (Caitlin) Wadlington; two great-grandchildren, Cora and Harris Wadlington; son-in-law, Mike Clark; and several nieces and nephews. Cora had his heart, and he cherished being her “Great Grand Dog.”
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 17, beginning at 10:00 AM at Central Church, 2005 E. Winchester Road, Collierville, TN 38017. A private family burial will follow.
Memorials in Red Dog's memory should be sent to Central Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Harris family.
