Robert "Bucky" Stanley Harris

Robert Stanley Harris, affectionately known as “Bucky,” was an extraordinary musician, a devoted father and grandfather, an animal lover, a lifelong car enthusiast, and a man whose personality was simply unforgettable.

Bucky was an absolute musical genius. Music wasn’t just something he did—it was part of who he was. Over the course of his life, he had the opportunity to play with incredible musicians and performers, including Little Richard and Kenny Rogers, creating stories and memories that his family will carry forever. Even in the final chapter of his life, Bucky never stopped doing what he loved. He cherished playing music at Duke’s with Mike Dena—Koa’s dad, a man Bucky loved like a son and who remained by his side through his final hours. Music remained one of the great loves of his life.

But of all the things Bucky loved in this life, his greatest love was being Alison’s dad. More than the music, more than the cars, and more than any accomplishment or adventure, being her father was the role he treasured most. To Alison, he was quite simply the best dad who ever lived. He loved her deeply, protected her fiercely, and was always there for her. Being her dad wasn’t simply one part of Bucky’s life—it was at the very heart of who he was. He left her a lifetime of memories, stories, lessons, laughter, and a love that will continue through the generations that follow him.

And Bucky’s role as a father extended far beyond his own family. He is also survived by the countless number of Alison’s friends who grew up loving him and came to think of him as their second dad. Bucky had a way of making people feel like they belonged, and his home, his humor, his advice, and his presence became part of their lives too. His impact reached much further than he probably ever realized.

Bucky also loved cars—buying them, selling them, talking about them, and making sure everyone around him knew exactly what they should or should not be doing with them. Cars were never just transportation to Bucky; they were a lifelong passion and part of the way he connected with the world.

He never lost his love for his hometown of St. Louis. Returning home meant spending time laughing and reminiscing with his cousins and, just as importantly, honoring traditions that remained unchanged for more than 50 years. Almost immediately after getting off the plane, there had to be a stop at Steak ’n Shake, where Bucky ordered the same meal he had loved since middle school: a double cheeseburger with extra cheese, hot fries with no salt, and a large orange freeze. The next day meant a visit to Talayna’s for St. Louis-style thin-crust pizza with sausage and mushrooms. Year after year, decade after decade, the tradition never changed. Those simple rituals were pure Bucky—loyal to the people, places, foods, and memories he loved.

He was also a true animal lover, and his family finds comfort in imagining that one of the first to greet him was his beloved dog, Buster.

Five years ago, Bucky lost the love of his life, Suzanne Harris, to cancer. Her death changed him profoundly. He loved her deeply, missed her endlessly, and was never quite the same without her. There is peace in believing that after five long years apart, Bucky and Suzanne are together again.

Bucky was the son of Elaine and Howard Harris and the beloved stepson of Hilda Harris, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzanne, and his brother David. He is survived by his brother Paul; his stepbrother Mike and stepsister Carolyn; his daughter, Alison; his grandchildren, Rocky, Summer, and Koa; Alison’s stepdaughter, Madeline; and his nieces and nephews, Ryan, Courtney, Neil, and Ben. He also leaves behind his cousins, extended family, fellow musicians, countless friends, and the many friends of Alison who loved Bucky as their own second dad.

Bucky lived a life filled with music, family, cars, animals, old traditions, good food, laughter, and love. He leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind music that will still be played, stories that will still be told, traditions that will still be followed, and a family that will carry him with them for the rest of their lives.

And somewhere, we like to think, Bucky has found Suzanne and Buster, there’s music playing, and everything he loved was waiting for him.