In Memorium– Kendall Brian Harris

IN MEMORIUM

Birth:

April 23, 1979

Death:

July 16, 2018

IN MEMORIUM:

Kendall Brian Harris, 39, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his residence on July 16, 2018.  He is survived his parents, Derrick Harris and Colleen (Simpson) Harris, his brother Chad Harris, sister-in-law Hope (O’Neil) Harris, three nieces, his maternal grandparents Donald Simpson and Beverly (Howard) Simpson, his paternal grandmother Kylie (Morgan) Harris.  His is also survived by his daughter Savannah Harris, who was the light of his life.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Bryant Harris.

Kendall was a very popular teacher at Jefferson Middle School where he taught math and assisted with the jazz band.  He was also the assistant basketball coach.  He often volunteered extra time after school to help children with free tutoring so that they could pass state required examinations.  He was well-liked, not only among his colleagues and his students, but among the parents as well.  It was said that Mr. Harris greeted every student with a smile and never failed to be there for one who needed help.  With his assistance, the JMS Jazz Group won multiple contests and placed highly at the state finals multiple years in a row.  The basketball team also won county tournaments.  JMS will be closed on the day of his funeral in honor of the teacher all the students knew and loved.  In addition, the school will be setting up two scholarship funds.  One in Mr. Kendall Harris’ name will help an underprivileged student with financial assistance and will be awarded on a yearly basis.  Another in Savannah Harris’ name to assist her with her college tuition.

Kendall Harris was also a member of a very popular local band in Gotham called the Boondoggies.  In the early 2000’s, the Boondoggies made a run at national fame and became a One Hit Wonder with their song, Do Whatcha Gotta Do.   Although the record label dropped them after none of their other songs became chart toppers, the Boondoggies were still a hit in Gotham playing at several local clubs and always drawing a huge crowd whenever they played.  Austin Petro, the band’s lead singer says of Kendall, “He was the heart and soul of our group.  His laughter brought us through the darkest times and his faith kept us together when we all wanted to quit and go our separate ways.  He was our brother and we’ll miss him more than any of us can say.”

Kendall’s claim to fame was also through his family.  His father was a well-known guitar player for the popular patriotic band ‘Home of the Brave’ that played the powerful concerts in the park on the 4th of July and during rallies for our troops.  Derrick Harris is an outspoken veteran who led the city through numerous rallies and parades and picnics in support of our troops.

Kendall’s brother, Police Commissioner Chad Harris, is also considered to be one of the saviors of this city.  He has not only been instrumental in cleaning up the crime on the streets, but he’s also cleaned up the crime within the police department.

Yet Kendall never seemed to believe he was living in the shadow of either his father or his brother.  Says good friend Allen Williams,  childhood friend to both Chad and Kendall, “Ken jealous of his dad and brother?!  No way!  He was proud of them!  Loved them!  He was more than happy to carve out his own little part of the world and thrive within it.  And that’s what he did.  Ken may not have been as well-known as Mr. Harris or Chad, but he was a hell of a man.  Someone special was taken from all of us when we lost him.”

Truly, one thing is known.  Kendall Brian Harris was a special human.  He was a wonderful father who devoted his life to his daughter.  Everyone agrees that everything he did was for her.  He was a Christian father, a good son and brother, and a devoted friend.

The world will be a little less without Kendall Brian Harris in it.

Rest with the angels.

1979-2018