Robert "Hap" Harris

Robert D. “Hap” Harris, 94, of Jonesboro went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 15, 2023.  He lived in Jonesboro for the past five years, moving from Cherokee Village.  He was born in Little Rock on September 28, 1928, to Robert D. Harris, Sr. and Beverly T. Harris of Fayetteville.  When Robert was ten years old, his parents and he moved to Jonesboro and became active members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.  In his later years, Robert and his wife attended Hardy First Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Alice F. Harris.

Robert graduated from Jonesboro High School.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He received his bachelor’s degree and specialist degree from Arkansas State University where he was a legacy member of the IIKA Fraternity.  He received his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University.  His careers spanned from business management in Alabama and Missouri, to public school teaching in Illinois, and lastly to public school administration in Arkansas.  Robert was active in many civic organizations, even serving twice as president of the Lions Club in Marked Tree where he and Alice lived for fifteen years.  They then retired to Cherokee Village where both were members of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association.

Robert enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. He also liked quiet activities such as reading, feeding wildlife, and taking care of various pets over the years.  A “people person,” Robert especially enjoyed annual reunions with high school friends and his wife’s family reunions in Mississippi.  He loved attending church and visiting people at the senior center.  Robert will be remembered as a kind and generous person who was more interested in others than in himself.  An optimist by nature with a good sense of humor and humility, Robert might have said, “I have no special talents.  I am only passionately curious.”  This quote from Albert Einstein describes one view Robert had of himself.  His family’s memory of Robert will always be a man who loved God, family, friends, neighbors, and all God’s people and creation.

Survivors include his son, Robert F. “Bob” Harris and wife Laurie; daughter, Lisa Walden and husband Frank, all of Jonesboro; granddaughter, Taylor Eller and husband Brandon; and great grandchildren, Hayes Eller and Hallie Eller, all of Little Rock.

All services will be private and held at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye with Dr. Larry Kindrick officiating.  There will be no visitation.

Lasting memorials:  The family asks that consideration be given to the charity or organization of your choice.  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.