Obituary of Thomas Eugene Harris
Thomas Eugene Harris Sr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 7, 1954 to Thomas Jackson Harris and Velma Veander Reed Harris. The oldest of their four children, Thomas (known as Gene to his family) was very bright, and began teaching his sister Diana, four years his junior, math and reading even before she started kindergarten. Although quiet and a bit of a loner at home, Gene was well liked in the neighborhoods where he grew up, attending Farragut Elementary School and Beaumont and Northwest High Schools, graduating from Beaumont in 1973.
Thomas Eugene had a quick wit, a great sense of humor and a love for music. His parents bought him a guitar and keyboard when he was young, and he taught himself to play a few popular Motown songs. He loved to sing and was part of a singing group in high school with two of his good friends. Wearing matching jackets made by his sister, the group performed at a high school rally at Northwest to the delight of her and her fellow students.
A number of years after high school, Gene enlisted in the United States Navy, and demonstrated an ability to learn quickly. He excelled in his studies and made a name for himself by breaking a speed typing record of over 100 words a minute. He enjoyed being able to travel to many places in the world, and spent long, challenging stints under water in a Navy submarine. Just before beginning his military service, he married Deborah Cox, who later gave birth to their only son, Thomas Eugene Harris Jr.
Although Gene struggled to maintain stability after leaving the Navy, he worked a number of jobs over the years, including living and working in San Diego, CA for a brief period. He was able to establish a more stable life during his last 10+ years, where he focused on rebuilding relationships with his family.
After a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in early 2017, Gene worked hard to stay positive and spend as much time as possible with his family and close friends. He was brave and strong in spite of the pain he endured, and finally succumbed to the disease in the early morning of November 5th, 2018 at the age of 64.
Thomas Eugene Harris, Sr. leaves behind his son, Thomas Eugene Jr., his granddaughter, Aniya, his wife, Deborah Harris, who came back into his life after many years of separation and helped him throughout his final months; his devoted and supportive sisters, Jacqueline Bishop, Diana Harris Onweh and Velma V. Harris Jr.; nieces Cynthia Watson (Ken) and Ashley Nicole Hamilton, great niece Tiffany Watson, stepchildren Patrice Martin and Deborah Cox, and many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Velma Sr, brother Vernon Harris, niece LaVerna Harris, and sister Kozetta Jane Harris.
