John R. Harris

John R. Harris, 85, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on June 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on April 2, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Janie Virginia Perkins and John Randolph Harris. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Henderson and Nellie Perkins. His grandmother, a woman of deep prayer, played a pivotal role in shaping the man of God he would become.

On August 4, 1960, John married Jerri Rean Blizzard, his faithful companion in life and ministry. Together, they built a family, and a legacy rooted in love, prayer, and God's calling. They were blessed with four children: David Harris, Robert Harris and wife Candice; Jonathan Harris and wife Melissa; and Jodi Clark and husband Mark Clark.

John answered the call to ministry at a young age and attended Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his ministerial license with the United Pentecostal Church International on August 1, 1963, and remained a faithful member and servant of the organization for the remainder of his life. After graduation from ABI, John and Jerri served as home missionaries in Great Falls, Montana, Louisville, Colorado and Church Point, Louisiana.

He was appointed as a missionary to Ethiopia, and later to Kenya, where his ministry would leave a lasting legacy. In Nairobi Kenya, John helped establish the Life Tabernacle Bible School and Church - a center of spiritual growth and leadership development that continues to impact lives to this day. His book, The Road to Kisumu, tells the powerful story of his missionary journey and the faith that carried him across continents.

In 1982, John became the pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church in Arlington, Texas, where he faithfully served until his passing. For over four decades, he shepherded a congregation with wisdom, humility, and the heart of a servant, raising up ministers and strengthening families.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jerri Harris; his sister, Shirley Patenaude, his four children; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren - each a testimony of his enduring love and prayers.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Tillman, brother Dewayne Gill, daughter-in-law, Zadeea Harris, and his grandson, Jonathan Ryan Harris, of whom he loved dearly and now rejoice with him in heaven.

John will be remembered for his deep love for God. His legacy spans generations and continents, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis Drive Arlington, TX 76012. A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Faith Tabernacle Church in Arlington at 11:00 AM, 507 E. Randol Mill Road Arlington, TX 76011 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. The family invites all who were touched by his life and ministry to join in remembering and honoring him.

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of John Harris, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.