Tommy Michael HARRIS

July 18, 1950 - January 1, 2019

Tommy Michael Harris was born in Kingsville, TX on July 18, 1950 to Gearldean and Cameron Tommy (C.T.) Harris. Many knew him as “Mike” others called him “Tommy”. He was the “mischievous” middle child. There was never a dull moment when you were around him. As a youngster he would chase his “screaming” mother through the house with a live black snake or throw “cow patties” at his little sister. Despite his mischief, he was a loving and caring son and brother. A wonderful example of how a brother should treat a sister.
Mike/Tommy was a 1968 graduate of Blevins High School. He served in the United States Army. He was a member of the Deer Park Texas #1362 Masonic Lodge. Tommy was a Christian and of the Baptist faith.
Early in life, he was taught not to expect things to be given to you. Hard work was the answer to success and he tried to instill that in others. He was an employee of Brown & Root Construction for over 26 years. While working in Houston, he met his lovely wife, Jackie. They soon realized they wanted to get out of the big city and raise their children in a smaller town. They had an opportunity to purchase a chicken farm from Hudson and live in the Hope area. The decision was made and Hope was now their hometown.
Together, Tommy and Jackie made a great team. Tommy enjoyed life, never met a stranger, and was a friend to all. He loved auctions, the outdoors, animals, karaoke, being with friends, but his greatest joy was having his family around him. His daughters meant the world to him, but the grandchildren had a special place in his heart. He loved being called “Poppy”.
Tommy succumbed after a long and courageous battle with a rare debilitating and fatal brain disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on January 1st 2019 at home surrounded by family and friends. PSP is a disease that affects around 6 in 100,000 people. He took part in a clinical study at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and was a huge advocate for PSP in hopes of helping others who may be diagnosed with this horrible disease. Always helping others was a big part of his life.
Tommy is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Jackie Harris. His beautiful daughters Teresa Williams (Gary) of Bauxite, AR, Carrie Dalrymple (Spencer) of Crystal Springs, AR, Melissa Johnson (Warren) of Rosston, AR, Randi Haley (Joseph) of Sheridan, AR, Jerri Anne’ Harris of the home and her boyfriend Shane Harris of Prescott, AR, and his two dear stepdaughters Brandie Caruso and Jennifer Bennett. A blessed sister, Sarah Webb (Tommy) of Prescott, AR. His precious grandchildren, Garrett and Jeremy Williams, Rainey, S.J., and Savannah Dalrymple, Jacob and Liam Johnson, Gracyn and Jeffrey Haley, and beloved Aunts, nephews, and nieces. Loving and caring in-laws Wade & Jane Peak and Joyce Eichelberger. Sisters-in-law Camie Brock (Dale) of Liberty, TX and Jessica Fregia (Joe) of Dayton, TX, and brother-in-law Sam Peak (Phyllis) of Edmond, OK. His two unfailing “Brothers from other Mothers” Doug Harris and ‘Weasel’ Whitaker, and numerous friends.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Kindred Home Healthcare and Hospice teams for the wonderful love and care shown.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope.
A casual Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church of Hope on Saturday January 5, 2019
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the CurePSP Foundation

Contributed on 2/28/19

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Record #: 1258357

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