Jack Harris (Seymour)'s Obituary
Billy Jack Harris was born December 22, 1936, to Wilbur James and Sally Mabel (Helms) Harris, and departed this life with family at his side on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Jack, as he was known to all, was seventy-nine years, seven months and twenty-five days of age at the time of his passing.
The oldest of four children, Jack was born, raised and, except for time in the service, spent all of his years in Seymour, Missouri. Jack was a graduate of the Seymour High School Class of 1955. He proudly and dutifully served his country in the United States Army. In August, 1959, Jack wed Janice Kay Elliott, and to this union two sons, Billy and Bobby, were born. She preceded him in death in October, 1963. Jack found love again and was united in marriage to Betty Joan Myers on June 5, 1964, and to this union a son and daughter, Steven and Joetta, were born. Jack and Betty lovingly raised their family on the farm they built together. Jack was a dairy farmer by trade, and a conservationist at heart. The land was a part of him; a connection to his God, his past and his family. He loved to fish and hunt and was proud to pass on the traditions to his ‘youngins’. Jack believed that you should always leave things better than you found them. Live a simple life and enjoy the little things. He taught us well, lived his life his way and loved unconditionally. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Dara Hensley and Noah Hensley; a sister, Mary Taylor; and his brother, Jimmy Harris. Jack leaves behind his wife of fifty-two years, Betty Harris, of Seymour; three sons, Billy and Pam Harris, Bobby and Rashel Harris, and Steven and Janice Harris, and daughter, Joetta and Steve Hensley – all of Seymour; grandchildren, Shane Harris; Tiffany Harris; Kayla, Kelsey and Kaleb Harris; Tyler Hood; Dalton and Hailea Harris; Ronnie Morris; and grandson, Brandon Harris and his wife, Misty, whom Jack and Betty raised like a son; three great-grandchildren, Connor, Anna and Isaiah; sister, Rachel Witty; and extended family; dear friends, hunting buddies and comrades.
Memorials are to Seymour YMCA Pool Fund and may be left at the funeral home.
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