Jerry Douglas Harris' Obituary
Slipped peacefully away early April 7th, 2006. He fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.Jerry, 74, was born to Leitha and Jack Harris, Sept. 18th, 1931 in Birmingham, AL.Survived by his wife Gwendolyn, best friend and loving wife of 6 1/2 years. One of his last words to her was he loved all the fragments, shards and splinters, and all the little pieces. That was Jerry, full of humor. The glint in his eye, the warmth of his laughter let you know he was about to expound on one of his jokes or give a piece of advise. That was a true Colonel.He will be remembered, terribly missed and always loved by his daughter, Kay Linda, sons Col. Gerry Douglas (Heather) and Darrel Loren. Cherished by his step-children, Wendy (Brad), Dr. Gordon (Patty), Dr. Doug (Merrie). Together 12 grandchildren, one deceased, one great-grandson.Jerry served 32 years of active duty in the U.S.A.F. His career started in 1948 as an Airborne Radio Operator, ended as a Command Pilot. After graduation as #2 in his class, he was assigned to Pilot training at Bartow AB, Florida. His flying duties were primarily Air Rescue and Special Missions.While stationed in Eglin AFB, FL, Jerry was assigned to work with NASA to develop techniques, procedures and equipment to recover the Astronauts of Project Mercury. Following his first tour of duty in Viet Nam his was assigned to Hickam AFB in Hawaii where he was appointed as the Pacific Air Forces Liason Officer to NASA with the responsibility of developing plans and procedures for the recovery of the Astronauts on Project Gemini. Upon completion of this tour, he primarily flew Special Air Missions for the next year. He was then assigned to the Department of Defense Manned Space Flight Support Office where he was the Director of plans for the global military support for the recovery of the Astronauts of Project Apollo. He and a NASA representative briefed the American Embassies around the world on the Contingency Recovery Plans for the Astronauts.He then served as Command Center Director for the European Command at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. From there Jerry was assigned to McChord AFB (after 22 years of trying to get back) where he retired May 30, 1980, while performing duties as Inspector General.After retirement his friend from the AF, Buck Thompson, invited his to work for his funeral home, Mountain View. He said he always wanted a Colonel to work for him after their association in the AF. Jerry put on another hat and became a Cemetery Counselor for over 20 years. He loved caring and sharing with so many people through the years.He became active with Elkdom during that time. He was Exalted Ruler of Tacoma Lodge 174 in 94/95, the largest Lodge in existence, and as Chairman of the Veterans Committee has seen the Lodge VeteranÂ's Program become number 1 in the nation 5 years in a row.A celebration of JerryÂ's life will occur at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 15th, 2006 in the Mountain View Valley Chapel. Reception immediately following at the Tacoma Elks Lodge. Please leave online condolences at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.You will be deeply missed. Thank you for your great sense of humor and undying love."Goodbye darling husband, father, and grandpa. You will always be in our hearts.God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. Welcome home Darling, see you up there."
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