Joe L. Harris

(1938-2021)

The Man Joe L. Harris was the 5th child born to Tommie and Annie Mae Harris in Fayetteville, TX. Affectionately known, “Joe Pat” grew up with his loving family in Fayetteville County and was educated in the Spur public schools. Joe loved school and education.

equally enjoy cleaning the fish or whatever wildlife he caught that day. He was also a superb Grill Master who loved to teach his secrets of grilling to all who would listen.

Joe was a family man who loved his family with all of his heart. In 1964, he married Joyce Nell Fuggent and during this union, Joe was afforded the opportunity to father Joyce’s son, Anthony Fuggent.

Joe accepted Christ at an early age at the neighborhood church with his dear sweet Grandmother Classie Patterson. He loved The Lord and would always reflect on his upbringing in church especially how his Grandmother would make them sit on the mourners bench. Joe held on to those old school Christian Values and it gave him the foundation he needed to be exactly who he was; a Servant.

Mr. Harris made sure that his family especially his Grandmother, Father and siblings were taken care of while he was away in school and serving in the U.S. Army.

The Lord was the Center of Joe’s life. In his younger years, he served at St. John Baptist Church of Dallas, TX and Cornerstone Baptist Church of Dallas, TX as a member of The Deacon Board, Trustee, Christian Education and so much more under the leadership of the late Dr. Robert H. Wilson, Sr.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He took pride in showing others the importance of wildlife recreation. After Joe would catch fish, he would

Joe believed in community. He was a Life Member of The N.A.A.C.P., The Frogs—Lawton Social Club and The Mistletoe Lodge #31. He served as a member of The Urban League as well as The Oklahoma State Board of Funeral Directors.

The Militant In 1957 after graduating from Haynes High School, Joe enrolled at Dallas Institute – Gupton Jones, College of Mortuary Science and graduated in one (1) year with his degree in Funeral Directing. Shortly after, he joined the Army in 1961 where he served as a Grave

Registrar for the United States Army in Hawaii.

While stationed there, he gained a stronger desire for the care of the deceased and their families. Joe knew what his next steps would be once his time was served in the Army. In 1966, he was honorably discharged after proudly serving his country and was able to pursue his passion for the Funeral Industry with full force.

The Mortician While still serving his Country, Mr. Harris completed his Masters Degree in Science of Embalming in 1964 and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. In his 65+ years of funeral service, Mr. Harris has been an Anatomical Embalmer for The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Dallas, TX. He has helped train, nurture and develop some of the leading names in the funeral industry today. Our General was both Texas and Oklahoma licensed.

Joe served two (2) five year terms on The Oklahoma Funeral Board and was the first African-American to serve as President. During his term, Joe was delighted to have signed the Official Funeral Director and Embalmers License for his wife, Audrey.

In 1986 Mr. Harris assumed Miller’s Mortuary and began a new venture in mortuary services in Lawton, Oklahoma. Joe and Audrey opened Howard-Harris Funeral Services in Oklahoma City. In 2002 a tragic fire destroyed the Miller’s Moutry building. Joe and Audrey did not lose faith, but kept building: One Funeral Home, Two Locations. Their services have served thousands of families including several celebrities across the country. The work and service of Joe and Audrey’s love through Howard-Harris Funeral Services have been seen on several major networks, BET, MTV, VH1, TVONE, TMZ, CNN and ABC; publications such as JET, EBONY, HipHop The Source and so many others.

Joe was a Youth Career Counselor, encouraging young people to seek the Funeral Service and

Insurance Industries for a career. Through the Rev. Moses Howard, Sr. Scholarship Fund, Howard-Harris Funeral Services in both Lawton and Oklahoma City have provided significant financial support to individuals, public and private schools and Universities. His last student was Ms. Brittany and he shared so many nuggets with her as if he knew that she would be his final student and masterful mortician.

The Miracle Around 1984, while Joe was busy doing the work of The Lord as a Deacon and Trustee at Cornerstone Baptist Church, he was asked to pick up a new member for Wednesday Night Bible Study because she was having car trouble and shortly after that, Joe prayed and asked God to show him a Miracle.

On November 22, 1986, Joe married the love of his life, Audrey Y. Howard and to this union their miracle came, their only child and Joe’s namesake, Jo’Landa.

Joe lived to provide for his wife and daughter. For 30+ years he would drive 140 miles a day to work and never complained because he was a provider and a protector. His smile and laugh was contagious and he never met a stranger. Yes, Joe was a quiet storm but the impact he made on the lives of so many will always be remembered. The care and compassion he had for his family and his career was never loud but it was noted.

Mr. Harris loved The Lord with all of his heart.

He was active in Sunday School’s Fulfillment hour under the leadership of his brother-in-law and close friend Dr. Paul L. Howard and was present until the very day of his transition. Joe was a student of The Word of God. For well over 25 years, Joe was a member of Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Lawton (Rev. James E. Thornton, Pastor) and he was a member of Greater Marshall Memorial Baptist Church (Dr. Moses Howard, Jr., Pastor) and was a Founding Board Member of Revive City Church-OKC (Pastor Jo’Landa Harris).

Mr. Harris worked and served his Lawton families until the very day God dialed his number.

On Thursday, November 18, 2021, Joe decided to experience something he had never experienced before in his 83 years of living. He decided to take a Helicopter ride to Dallas, TX. While Our General was in the air, Audrey, Jo’Landa, Jo’Urdan, Frazier and Rev. Smith were on the ground believing God for “A Healing in the Helicopter”.

On Sunday, November 21, 2021, Joe’s phone rung and this was a “Death Call” that only he could take. God called Joe Louis Harris and when he answered this “Death Call”, his Master, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was on the other end and said “SERVANT, WELL DONE”. God showed us the final Miracle in Room 287 as Mr. Harris peacefully slipped out of his earthly body into his eternal rest.

He is proceeded in death by both parents; six siblings, James Harris, Johnell “Olivia” Ludd, Doris Mitchell, Ruby Means, Charlie Harris and Classie Owens. Joe’s last fishing buddy, George Hughes, met Joe in the clouds five days later.

Mr. Harris leaves to cherish his memory and fulfill his charge: his loving wife of 35 years, Mrs. Audrey Y. Howard-Harris; one daughter, Jo’Landa

Y. Harris; one grandson “GrandPawsMan” who was the joy of his life and namesake, Jo’Urdan JoeShawn Harris-Barrett all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one son, Anthony Harris of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, nineteen great-grand children and sixteen great-grand children; one sister, his heart Lizzie Milton of Dallas, Texas; one brother, his partner in hunting crime, Tommie Lee Harris (Rachel) of Dallas, Texas.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his righthand-man, Joe Frazier who was there until the very end; two special god-daughters who flew in to be right by his bedside, Anitra Thomas (Courtingham) and LaNeka Sawyer; his niece who was there with him till the end, Rochell Braimer (Delton); his Son and Mentee Dedrick Jennings (Chandra); god-children, Rochon Dean, Annette Thomas, Sharlen Carter, LaQuitta Carter, Danielle Williams, Ashley Huling, Aloyce Thomas, Dachondra Dean, Dalisa Dean, Cersten Carter, Ellsworth Huling, V., Daylon “DaylonBob” Dean, Richard “Tigger” Harland, VaShawn Mitchell, B.Chase Williams, Brian Barrett, Donte McCutchen, Montrae Tisdale-Johnson and Ricky T.L. Hunt, Jr.; four special sisters, Linda and Brenda Davis, Maxcine J. Watson, Sydonna Anderson; special god-mother, Mrs. Eulila Davis, and host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

The Order of Celebration

Rev. Dr. J.A. Reed, Jr. ~ Fairview Baptist Church, Senior Pastor Pastor Thomas L. Cody ~ Officiant Dr. Willie B. Smith ~ Bethlehem Baptist Church, Lawton, Oklahoma, Eulogist Prelude Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. Oklahoma City Chapter

The Entrance of the Funeral Cortege Clergy, Pallbearers, Special Guest and Staff Pastor Antwan Johnson, and Pastor Teron Gaddis The Final Entrance of the Funeral Cortege Funeral Directors and Family Song Of Transition “I Can Depend on God” Rev. Clark Gates The Closing of the Bier Sacred Funeral Home Song of Comfort “Near the Cross” Malcolm Williams The Alpha Scripture Readings Old Testament Rev. D. D. McHenry, New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church-Lawton, OK New Testament Rev. Teron Gaddis, Greater Bethel Church-Oklahoma City, OK Prayer of Celebration Bishop Marc L. House Victory City Church-Atlanta, GA The Omega Scripture Reading Old Testament Apostle Travis C. Jennings, The Harvest Tabernacle Church-Atlanta, GA New Testament Rev. Ronald Boyd, Antioch Baptist Church-Duncan,OK Prayer of Comfort Pastor Dion Brown ReCharge Church-Charlotte, NC

The Order of Celebration Song of Celebration “On Time God” Sis. Beverly Berry

Remarks Mr. Andrew D. S. Kirkland Tree of Life Funeral Directors Mr. Dedrick Jennings Sacred Funeral Home

Apostle Ricky T.L. Hunt, Sr. and Brittany Stallings – Howard-Harris Funeral Services Family Song of Comfort “Safe in His Arms” Cynthia Williamson Family Reflections Mr. Floyd Owens, Nephew Jo’Landa Y. Harris, Daughter Life Reflection Video Song of Healing “Perfect Peace” Pastor Brian Chase Williams Eulogy Dr. Willie B. Smith The Final Dismissal Sacred Funeral Home The Recessional The Funeral Cortege

My dear brother Joe, you know when they would say Joe Pat that was truly family. I can’t imagine my world without you. My wife said I should saver each day for the gift that it is. When you’d say you were coming to town as a child and even now as an adult I would wait outside for your arrival. I will hold on to the trip that you and I took to New Orleans for your business; it was an experience I won’t forget.We shared a lot of things, but at the end of the day we realize that the only thing of importance is doing our best to take care of family. Grandma said ;CHAPS help one another and stick together. We are better men because of her. The old man told us things also but somehow grandma had a real impact on us. I am going to miss you. I will do my best to stay strong and be prayerful, check on the family, and do what is right. I know God is good, He does not make mistakes. We will be alright. I will trust God, I will always love you.

Tommie L Harris

Joe, my brother.

My best memory of you is everything you have ever told me, from High School until now. So many memories to even begin to count.

I love you and I’ll see you again.

Liz My favorite thoughts and memories of Joe are too numerous for these pages. What I remember most about Joe was that he loved the Lord, he loved his wife, he loved his daughter and he loved that new grandson. Joe was a Bible student. He knew the word of God. And he made God's word applicable to his life. One of his favorite sayings was "physical life parallels spiritual life." I'll miss sitting and talking to him about the goodness of the Lord.

And without fail we would end each conversation with him saying how good God has been to him. Take your rest my friend. You left too soon. See you in the morning!

Paul Howard Joe L. Harris a GREAT MAN who walked and lived among us!

A GREAT MAN who loved and lived for the Lord.

A GREAT MAN because he was humble enough to fix your flat and smart enough to build an empire! The Bible says to honor those who deserve it.

Joe L. Harris deserves it!

His Loving Sister, Maxcine J. Watson

It’s hard to put in words about Brother Joe without thinking of my Sister Audrey whom I’ve known since 1964, 57 years and of those 57 years Brother Joe has been an integral part of that sister relationship for 37 years. Brother Joe has always been an encourager. Quiet gentle Spirit, compassionate and caring; from the birth of their daughter Jo’Landa to the present. Just being around Him made you feel at peace. I’ll miss his encouragement and words of wisdom. The gentle giant To see that big smile in the congregation which was always comforting.

Linda Davis King Joseph, my friend and confidant You will always be in my heart always remembered as a man of wisdom, integrity and confidence in all God created you to be Full of kindness and compassion, a man after God’s own heart I thank God for your love and care Well done, good and faithful servant Loving you to eternity. Your Sister, Brenda Davis Brother Joe (in a tone that only a few of us will understand. Lol) There were few men in my life I looked at with great admiration. Men who were so meek and mysterious YET powerful and mighty. Men who command attention without a single word leaving their mouths.

You Bro. Joe, were that man!

With age and understanding comes a different revelation of WHO people are and the weight their presence holds in your life. From being the stern hand that made me and Jo’Landa walk for fussing. To the accommodating man that would always make sure I had “fish and tators”. To finally being the man who made me feel proud about the woman I had become when I would see your eyes light up and your big smile say, “NITRA” and knowing through those two displays of emotions that you too were proud to see me flourish before you.

There won’t be many men like you again. There won’t be many people who positively impact every person they meet. There won’t be many people who leave this earth and not a single soul can utter a bad word from their mouths or hearts about them. Thankfully I knew a man and that man was you Bro. Joe. I’ll forever cherish you being apart of my life in such a fruitful way!

NITRA “Niiiitrrrraaaaa”… Anitra

He has always been a true example of a father. I grew up without a father in my life so the times we had together was epic. The wisdom he shared was life changing. Also I remember getting the call when Jo’Landa decided to move to Atlanta and he firmly told me to look out for his daughter in his own way. I knew he meant it and will always look out of my sister, Pops!

Love, VaShawn Dad, Thank you for welcoming me into your family and for always treating me like your son. Thanks for the moments of wisdom and nuggets that continue to make me a better man! Mom & Sis are in good hands with us!

B.Chase Brother Joe you’re truly one of the greatest men to ever walk this earth. You were one of the wisest people I’ve ever met. You always taught me actions speak louder then words and no one displayed that more then you.

Quiet but yet so loud. Your words of wisdom will always sit with me and I will never be able to thank you enough.

Love you Cersten Brother Joe, I just want to say to you Brother Joe one thing you always told me when we started working together that one day I’ll see the end of the tunnel when I was going through different things in life. Thank you, I see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

Richard Threatt I remember when we were all fighting in the car and Bro. Joe made us walk to granny’s house from MLK (lol). I had never seen him so mad until that day. Jo thought she didn't have to walk but, he made her get out and walk too. (Bro. Joe drove the car behind us slowly to make sure we got to granny’s safely.)

Ashley Huling Mr. Joe was one of the coolest and nicest men I’ve ever encountered…. I remember that time we went to ihop and sat at the table for hours I was like a sponge soaking up knowledge from one of the wisest men of our time!

Marcus Jeffries-Davis My first funny encounter with Bro. Joe was when Jo'Landa was 3 months old and I used the last of her wipes. When he came home and I said “ Bro. Joe, I ran out of wipes” and he looked over his glasses at me and said “use tissue, her butt has to get used to it sometime or another”. I laughed so hard. I just loved that he always had a smile on his face and plenty of wisdom. Thank you brother Joe for allowing me to be apart of your family!

Rodey

Mr. Harris was an awesome man and man of his word.

When he spoke, you listened. I value every nugget and woe of wisdom he gave me. The best reminder given was the fact that “We are in the people business and that people don’t have to be nice to you. “ So I made sure to be grateful for the ones we serve and those who are kind to us because they don’t have to be.

Sam Robertson Dear Uncle Joe, The love you have for your family is one like no other. I always love how you make it your business to be at family events and you would always have a big smile on your face. All conversations with you always end in laughter.

You’ll live on in my heart forever!

NeNe Uncle Joe, has always been my favorite uncle. I respect him with all of my heart, mind and soul! He always had words of wisdom for you and my two favorites were “keep living you will figure it out!” And if the dog bite you the first time it is the dogs fault but if he bite you again it is your fault! I will always remember Uncle Joe and love Audrey, Jo’Landa and Jo’Urdan!

Rochell My fondest memory of Papa Joe was during my first shift as an attendant during a visitation at the funeral home.

Mr. Joe had to run an errand but I didn’t want to stay alone, so I asked if I could I leave with him. Since no one was there to visit, he figured he’d take me home. Sister Audrey called me to see how my first shift was going and I told her I left with Mr. Joe because I was afraid. Sister Audrey called Mr. Joe and said go back to the funeral home. Mr. Joe said, “ Alright, Sharlen—lets go back to the visitation!”. Mr. Joe stayed with me until the viewing was over.

Sharlen My note to my Uncle: Uncle Joe, I know we will all make our Heavenly journey at some point when we’re done with this mortal life, but I was not yet prepared to say goodbye to you just yet. I will truly miss your sharing so many words of wisdom with me, as well as opening my eyes to various life perspectives.

Thank you so much for always listening to me when I was in need of one of our “little talks”. I always did, and always will, love and appreciate you for how you made such a positive impact on my life.

Take your rest. Well done.

Your niece, Rojenia Kaye

Would always talk to me (when we saw each other) about how he can’t believe how big you all are now and how many kids everyone has and how we do know all of their names. I will miss the opportunity to receive the wisdom and knowledge that he also always shared. A man of few words; never saw him sweat or upset, cool and classy.

When he speaks you listen.

Quitta

There aren’t too many words to describe how great of a man you were on this earth! You showed me that greatness is not found in power, possessions, positions, or Prestige. But Greatness is discovered in goodness, humility, service and character! With these standards uncle Joe you were that and more! You will truly be missed and am more than thankful for the times we shared! I Love you dearly Uncle Joe! Job well done sir!

Ells Mr. Harris will truly be missed we always talked about different recipes and his wonderful barbecue brisket.

Kathleen

One of the last memories I have of Bro. Joe was this old refrigerator he had in the garage. The icemaker was not working anymore and it wasn't like he couldn't get a new refrigerator but it was something about the ice that this one made. He told me I don't care what it cost I need you to fix this one and that's what I set out to do - they just don't make things like they used to. Long story short, when I left I think I made Bro. Joe a happy man.

Bro. Simon Harris

Hey my favorite granddaughter (He would say the same thing to My sister) always help take care of your sister, stay close to Jo'Landa, make sure those kids get educated, and remember who the boss is your husband. (We would always laugh at this point). It would be so funny he would call me and if I didn’t answer Grandy would leave a voice mail and say, "I need a dose of my granddaughter if you don’t call me back, I’m going to call the boss. (Smile)" Of, course I would call him back.

I remember that John father a child named Laila while in college. I called my grandfather to cry about it, he said “Tell that boy to keep his ass in school but he’ll figure it out”. Those famous words. Oh, how I loved that ole man!

Always loving and teaching at the same time.

Grandfather you are gone but never forgotten. You will always be in my memory and heart.

Love always, Your Favorite Granddaughter, Alicia

My favorite memory of my Grandy. I remember my mom telling me to get ready your about to go spend the weekend with your Grandy. He wants your help with a few funerals this weekend. I DREADED IT. Not knowing that the weekend would lead to one of the more critical lessons of my life. Grandy comes and picks me up, and let me start by saying if you knew my Grandy you knew that he always had a nice suit on. He picked me up in his Cadillac and to my surprise wanted me to drive. My parents NEVER let me drive their car, barely even down the street so to be able to drive from Dallas to Oklahoma was a real treat for me.

Love always, John To Mr. Harris, Never shall I forget how you took the time to sow into me, to believe in and encourage me and to trust me without fail. Never shall I forget how your unfiltered words of wisdom have shaped me into who I am today. Never shall I forget the many times you gave it to me straight, yet at the same time kept me in tears laughing. They say the true measure of a man is not the amount of servants he has, but how many people he’s served. Never shall I forget the shining example you’ve shown us of a servant’s heart. Never shall I forget our last conversation in which you told me you were proud of me, yet reminded me to always cherish my family, always be the better man and always continue to serve.

To God be the Glory for your life, Mr. Brian Fugett Uncle Joe. You are more than my uncle you are my best friend. Fishing without you won't be the same. I love you.

YOUR NEPHEW, Mikey If we are fortunate in life, we will have the opportunity to meet someone like Joe Harris. A man with professional pride, a man of integrity, a man who gave to others in life more than he expected in return and one who was dedicated to his family and profession. I was honored to have known him in business and as a friend. Thanks be to God for his life and the memories we will always have.

Glenn Dunn Sales Representative Matthews International In Tribute To: The Life and Legacy of Joe L. Harris, Mr. Harris was a man who loved his family, his fellowman and most of all his God. His life exemplified he depth of his love while serving to epitomize the essence of Micah sentiments at Ch 6:8: What does the Lord require of mankind? To act justly; love mercy and remain humble in all of his ways.

Rev. Donell Matthews

Those Who Bear the Bier

Those Who Bear the Bier in Honor

Richard Threatt LaCarl Gilbert Anthony “TBone” Pugh Ricky T.L. Hunt,Sr. Jonathan Jackson Donnell Matthews Cary Jackson Cersten Carter Ellsworth Huling, V. Delton Braimer, II

Floyd Owens Lloyd Owens Kenneth Owens Delton Braimer, I Eddie Milton, Jr. Russell Milton The Frogs Social Club – Lawton The Mistletoe Lodge #31 – Lawton

Floral Bearers in Honor The Ladies of Howard-Harris Funeral Services

Message of Gratitude The family of Mr. Joe L. Harris would like to express our deepest and utmost appreciation for your love and kindness shown during this sudden chapter change. Your kind words, cards, expressions of love, calls, text messages, floral arrangements, comments and post have been the strength we needed to begin this new journey. We realize how blessed we are for our family and friends who travelled from near and far to be with us during this difficult time. Your love towards our family will never be forgotten.

Special Thanks Mr. Dedrick and Mrs. Chandra Jennings and Sacred Funeral Home Staff. When we see you, we see Mr. Harris. Thank you for your love, care and professionalism before and after his transition. We knew we would be in good hands.

Howard-Harris Funeral Services Staff: We have a charge to keep and a General to make proud. We have never been in this seat before, but if we hold on to the memories and each other, we will have the charge we need to continue. Thank you for your service as we lay our General to rest.

Joe Frazier: Mr. Harris’ right hand until the end, we appreciate you.

Anitra and LaNeka, our Human Angels…God knew who and what we needed, Thank You. Doctor Tumeran, The U.T. ICU 2nd Floor Doctors, Nurses and Team for the care and compassion they’ve shown our family within 72 hours. We will never forget 287.

The Final Earthly Resting Place Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10:00am Ft. Sill National Cemetery Elgin, OK