Rusty Harris

Rusty was born to Lucille Shoemaker Harris and Dr. Willie Harris on May 12, 1959 and every day since has been deeply loved. In his childhood, Rusty lived with his parents and little sister, Lucie, in England, Arkansas. After moving out of England, he lived in Arizona, Atlanta, and Memphis before he returned home to Arkansas where he met the love of his life, his wife, Dena.

The very center of Rusty’s life was Dena. They were each other’s partner in all aspects of life. In addition to building their home together on the farm, they worked side by side running their own business together. They shared everything. He doted on her and rarely left her side.

For his entire life, Rusty was a true outdoorsman and cowboy. He moved through the world as deftly on horseback as he did on his own two feet. Instead of a shadow, Rusty’s heels were always followed by his dog. Cattle, cats, and chickens trailed not far behind. The beauty of the world was not lost on him. He often shared photos and videos he captured of waterfalls, the desert, or a particularly picturesque stretch of road.

Rusty aimed to always “keep fun pegged out,” and he did. He loved fast cars, particularly Corvettes, and days spent on the lake. He adored the friends with whom he spent time fellowshipping at chuck wagon races, rodeos, horse races, the lake, and numerous gatherings of the souls. He never met a stranger because his charisma and charm immediately drew people to him. When he told a story, the whole room hung on his every word. Still you knew he was telling the story just for you.

He was committed to his family. Nothing was more important to him than his wife, Dena. He cared for her and loved nothing more than to see her smile. To his little sister, Lucie, he was a protector and hero. He was endlessly proud of his nieces and nephews, who in turn saw him as both another parent and their friend. He helped care for his own parents who were so proud of him. He kept in touch with his many cousins long after they all grew into adults. He loved his family unconditionally.

We all looked up to him. He carried himself with dignity, and he treated others with that same respect. Like gravity, he drew people in and held them steady. His support was unwavering. You could count on Rusty for anything you needed. He delighted in the joy of those he loved and never missed an opportunity to celebrate a birthday, graduation, or wedding with his bright smile and warm hug. On the hard days too, he was there. He lived with honor and integrity. He was a character, and he was a man of character.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Alvis and Ima Shoemaker and Russel and Avis Harris; his brother-in-law, Lewell Holland; his aunts and uncles, Mack Harris, Conway and Koleta Rawlings, and Janie Long; and his childhood friend Joel Henderson.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Dena Amerine-Harris; his sister, Lucianne Harris Wiggins (Ronnie); brother-in-law, Dr. Perry Amerine (Carol); sister-in-law, Dian Holland; nieces and nephews, Lauren Wiggins, Richmond Hunter Wiggins, Will Amerine, Lee Amerine, Travis Amerine, Denver Amerine, Brian Holland, Maria Ekstrand, Suzanne Holland, and Tara Schnellenberger; his extended family; and his friends. They miss him wholeheartedly.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, Arkansas, immediately followed by the funeral, beginning at 10:00 am. He will be laid to rest at Maxey Cemetery in Wister, Oklahoma.