George Ray

Harris, LCDR, US Navy, Ret.

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IN LOVING MEMORY

George Ray Harris, LCDR, US Navy, Ret.

May 17 1924 - Nov 25 2006

Mr. Harris, 82, passed away peacefully on the evening of November 25, 2006. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his two children, Clifton Hugh Harris and wife Cheryl Harris, of Irving, Texas; and Anna Marie Eaton and husband Buck Eaton, of Sugar Land; and by his two devoted sisters, Charlcy Wess, of Garland, and Bennie Easley, of Blum; as well as by six grandchildren: Jessica Lynn Godfrey and Alexia Marie Harris, both of Irving, and Collin Ray Eaton, Tyler Harris Eaton, Caroline Elizabeth Eaton, and Zachary Nicholas Eaton, all of Sugar Land. He also is survived by several beloved nieces and nephews. Mr. Harris was born in McKinney, Texas on May 17, 1924 to Clayton Horace Harris and Jessie Lee Ray Harris. Later, his family moved to Plano, where Mr. Harris played football for the Plano Wildcats and graduated from Plano High School in 1942. Soon after he enlisted in the Navy where he was trained as a pilot during World War II. He served on the USS Boxer during the Korean War and was awarded several medals, including two Air Medals, the Korean Campaign, China Service Medal, the U.N. Medal, and the American Theater Victory Medal. He remained in the Navy Reserves until retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Many of the men that he served with in the Navy have remained lifelong friends. He also completed his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from North Texas Agricultural College. In 1952, Mr. Harris began a 31 year career with Delta Airlines, where he was a Captain and piloted the L1011's. Upon retirement in 1984, Mr. Harris began his final "career" as "jack-of-all-trades." He greatly enjoyed spending time "tinkering" at his hangar, and refurbishing his treasured Cessna 180. He made almost daily trips to his hangar at Aero Country Airport, and truly enjoyed all his many friends there. Mr. Harris was very active in the lives of his children and grandchildren, making many hunting and fishing trips with his son, watching lots of softball games, and making many trips to Sugar Land to watch his grandchildren in their activities. He loved them all dearly and was a devoted father and grandfather. He was especially proud of his granddaughter Jessica who carried on the Navy tradition, and recently returned from serving in Iraq. The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Hearthstone Assisted Living Center in Irving for their loving care, especially Candy, Danielle, and Cash. We also would like to thank St. Michaels Hospice for their care and support during his last days. Visitation will be held from 7 - 9 PM, Tuesday, November 28, 2006 in the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home McKinney, Texas. Graveside Services will be held 11:00, Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at Pecan Grove Cemetery, McKinney, Texas with Chaplain Doug Renaud, officiating.
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