Dewey Harless

On Sept. 4, 1935, in Kingsport, TN, Dewey Eugene Harless was born into Phillip Herman Harless & Vergie Virginia Barton Harless’s home as the youngest of 12 children; 4 of which were deceased by the time of his birth. Shortly thereafter, the Harless Family survived a house fire loosing all processions, and moved from Kingsport, TN to Yuma, VA. Gene was a 2yr veteran of the U.S. Army (basic training in Fort Benning Georgia, and was Security Police in Seoul, Korea). Following discharge, Gene worked at Mason & Dixon Lines, Inc as a diesel mechanic; retiring in 1982 after 22.5 yrs. He kept busy in later years with various odd jobs & hobbies. His children moved him & his wife to Knoxville in 2020.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by 5 sisters (Belva, Bertha, Nella, Della, and O’dene), 2 brothers (Marvin and Harry), 1 miscarried grandchild, and 1 miscarried great-grandchild.

Left to cherish his memories: Wife of 62yrs, Shirley Jean Strickler Harless, of Knoxville; Son, D. Phillip Harless (Tammy), of Knoxville; Daughter, Virginia “Jeannie” L. Miller (Jim), of Oak Ridge; Grandsons, Brandon D. Phillip Harless (Catie), Jordan W. Harless (Casey), William "Will" E. Miller; Great-grandson, Archibald “Archie” P. Harless; Several nieces & nephews.

Pallbearers will be: Phil Harless, Jim Miller, Brandon Harless, Jordan Harless, Will Miller, and Mike Arms.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 12 noon until 2:00 PM at East Lawn Funeral Home, with funeral services at 2:00 with Minister Ben Evely officiating. Military graveside services to follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.