Mr. Harry W. Harris Jr.

Harry W. Harris Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He was born on February 23, 1944, in Brinkley, Arkansas, to the late Harry and Josie Mae Harris Sr. Harry spent his early years in Peoria, Illinois, where he attended Woodruff High School and graduated with the Class of 1963. During his high school years, he was a standout football player and was well known for his athletic ability on the field. Following graduation, he relocated to Flint, Michigan, where he began a career with General Motors. Through his years of dedicated employment, Harry exemplified a strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family. Harry was a quiet and thoughtful man who enjoyed learning about new experiences and emerging technology. He had a natural curiosity about the world and appreciated opportunities to explore and discover new things. He was known for his love of family, his kindness toward children, and his talent as a gardener. He also had a lifelong appreciation for automobiles and took pride in being a dependable provider for those he loved. Harry was a man of few words but many actions. He expressed his love and care not through grand speeches, but through his hard work, and willingness to help others. Harry leaves to cherish his precious memories: his children: Darrell C. Compton of Danville, IL; Harry Harris III of Flint, MI; Derrick(Angela) DeWayne Harris of Peoria, IL; Lewan Harris of Flint, MI; Shanita Connor of Indianapolis, IN; and Ivory Edwards of Flint, MI; two sisters, Darlene (Eddie) Washington of Peoria, IL, and Yolanda Wright of Chicago, IL; one uncle: Ralph Davis of Peoria, IL; one aunt, Minnie Williams of Peoria, IL; 26 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends who will cherish his memory and miss him dearly. Harry in addition to his parents, Harry Harris Sr. and Josie Mae Harris, was preceded in death by one grandson: Malik Harris. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. Paul Baptist Church (114 W. Forrest Hill Ave Peoria, IL 61604) at 11:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one prior at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Deveraux Hubbard will officiate. Harry will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Harry’s family would like to thank the staff of Bickford Cottages and Vitas Hospice for the care they provided over the years. Harry's legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and quiet strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Arrangements were made especially for the “Harris” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. Live streaming can be viewed by clicking the link for TW Parks Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel.

Mr. Harry W. Harris Jr.

February 23, 1944 - May 26, 2026