Harold Joe Harris aka Joe Harris passed away on August 31st, 2023 following his battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Lila Ann Harris (Burdick).

He is survived by his 7 children, Krista Stachura (David), Keri Wingo, Keith Harris (Beth), Keli Judas (Steven), Korey Chase, Lila Harris, and Terisa Harris.  Mr. Harris was grandfather to seven and great grandfather to six.

He was born in Austin, Texas to James and Dorothy Harris, he is the middle brother of seven siblings.

He served in the U.S. Army as a Spec 5 air combat-wounded Vietnam veteran and was awarded two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, and Presidential commendation. He was honorably discharged in 1974.

He spent his post-military life in service to others through the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Sunshine Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis International, charitable work through the Catholic Church, Fraternal Order of Police, Make-A-Wish Foundation  and Knights of Columbus. He received the Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy award for community service.

A mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father John Grace officiating.  There will be a reception and visitation following the service at the church.  Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to any of the organizations that he served in to continue their wonderful work to the community.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son  Funeral Home.