Jerry Len Harris
February 2, 1948 – June 4, 2024
Bonham, Texas -- Jerry Harris, born February 2, 1948 in Bonham, Texas, passed away in Bonham on June 4, 2024. He was 76 years old. Due to Parkinson’s Disease and a heart ailment, his health had been rapidly failing for several years.
He was born to Leonard and Lela Harris of Lamasco, along with brothers Danny Harris and Roger Harris and sister Sandra Harris Schneider.
A graduate of Bonham High School, he went to Dallas upon graduation and studied IBM computer programming and data processing for 2 years. Upon graduation from the Metropolitan Technical Institute with an Associate of Science Degree, he married Alicia Acree on July 13, 1968.
He worked one year at National Motor Club of Texas before enlisting in the Marines on May 28, 1969. A Vietnam Veteran, he spent a full one-year tour of duty in Quang Nam Province. Upon discharge he was hired by the Texas & Pacific Railroad (later the Union Pacific Railroad) on June 11, 1971, where he worked 26 years.
Jerry and Alicia had two lovely daughters, Jennifer and Alyssa. Alyssa and husband Barry Wernick gifted him with three beautiful granddaughters, Betsy (12), Alice (11), and Libby (8). He was reminded every day of all that was good in the world and that he had to live for through his daughter, Alyssa, her husband Barry, and his loving granddaughters. He never missed an opportunity to send letters, cards, gifts, and more, be it a birthday or Valentine's Day, to remind them how much he loved them and to let them know how proud he was of all their accomplishments. His granddaughters always looked forward to spending time with "Grandpere," dancing, singing, reading, and watching movies with him.
Jerry carried his warm and sincere outlook on life which he shared willingly with people. He was indeed a true southern “gentle” man.
He was preceded in death by wife Alicia age 47, daughter Jennifer age 28, and is currently survived by daughter, Alyssa Wernick and husband Barry, granddaughters, Betsy, Alice and Libby Wernick, brothers, Danny Harris, Roger Harris, and sister, Sandra Schneider.
Jerry often talked fondly of his outdoor adventures with his close friends, Brook Griffin, Joe Todd, Jerry Dodson, and Charles Smithy. In younger days he was an avid runner, tennis player, amateur boxer, and swimmer. He kept an interest in outdoor activities into his late sixties. He was a great lover of music, especially classic rock and soft rock.
There will be a family night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 at Wise Funeral Home in Bonham, Texas. Graveside funeral service which will include the American Legion Missing Man Ceremony which will take place on Friday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the Lamasco Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Friends of Bonham SNAP, 1205 E. Sam Rayburn Dr. Ste. A, Bonham, TX 75418 and American Legion Post 283 of Bonham where Jerry was a member and officer for several years.
