Oscar Harris' Obituary
Oscar’s first breath was December 5th, 1925 in Tallahassee, Florida, and he peacefully breathed his last on June 9th, 2018, in Bellingham, Washington, in the presence of his family. Prior to his illness, Oscar plainly stated, “When it’s my time, I will be ready. I have led a blessed life, and I know where I’m going.”
His death was preceded by his sisters Alberta Harris and Irene Harris-Spate, his children Oscar Harris and Marah J. Harris and of course his mother, Venus Washington, who he spoke of as someone that would do anything for him. He enjoyed telling the story of while in the army receiving a box and inside was a baked chicken lovingly prepared by his mother. His mother’s concern was understandable as Oscar entered the army still in his adolescence, weighing 127 lbs. at 5’ 8”. Growing three more inches and filling out over time, he literally became a man in the army. Master Sergeant Oscar Harris served the United States of America for 30 years, one month, and 2 days, through three wars World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Oscar was incredibly proud of his service to his country and was a true patriot. Among his other medals and honors he is a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal. In his retirement he maintained strong bonds with other retired service men meeting regularly in the morning to have coffee at McDonalds. He also devoted time to Bible study and community worship, cared for his immaculate gardens, and followed politics supporting candidates and causes. He shared with his daughters, Julie and Amy, the wonder and amazement of living to see the election of the 44th president, Barack Obama. Oscar is a great American success story. The child of a poor farmer, Oscar left the deep South and dismal prospects to enlist in the Army as early as he could. Through years of demanding work and self-sacrifice he became a respected member of the community and a committed family man that made sure his children had all the comforts and advantages that he never enjoyed in his youth.
Oscar is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lena Harris. When asked how they met, Lena warmly recalls it was Christmas Day, 1956 at a party in Bamberg, Germany. She said once with a smile, “I guess he was the best Christmas present I ever had.” Oscar is also survived by his Daughters Deloris F. Hilliard, Julie Maria Gowans, and Amy Linda McAuliffe as well as his many grandchildren who viewed him with love and admiration: Arthur Harris, Corey Harris, Lori Harris, Melissa Harris, Angela Jane Wassmann, Tommy Oscar McAuliffe, Edward Harris Guffy, Maria Elisabeth Guffy, and Denny Joseph McAuliffe. Oscar was an extremely good provider and protector of his family. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren. Oscar put his children on a pedestal and had such exacting standards for his daughters’ boyfriends that they almost felt compelled to salute.
The Harris family has received a great deal of support during Oscar’s illness, and would like to thank all their family and friends. In addition, the family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the incredibly compassionate staff at St. Francis care facility.
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