John Elliott Harris, 86, of Burlington, died Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
Born April 3, 1937, in Little Rock, Ark., he was the son of John Huskey and Obelia Harris. On May 12, 1980, he married Sharon Kaye Shaw in Burlington.
John moved to Burlington with Armour Dial. He then worked for the UA Local Union 125 as a plumber/pipefitter and worked in Aurora, Ill., Muscatine, and Cedar Rapids.
He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving for 10 Years.
John loved cooking to the point he had a BBQ restaurant in Galesburg, Ill., and ran a few taverns over the years, including; Dixie Tavern, John's, and DJ's Bars for a combined 30 years. He had a big heart and was glad to help anyone, from cars to handyman work. John also enjoyed golf and watching Bull Riding.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Kaye Harris; four sons, John Camper of Tulsa, Okla., Donald C. Hunt, John W. Hunt and Michael E. (Kim) Hunt all of Burlington; two daughters, Tiffany Lynn Harris of Burlington, and Sheila Renee (Lonnie) Jones of Quincy, Ill.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Evette Harris and her daughter, Shanielle Clorid, Charlotte Johnson, and Doris Mack Ray all of Little Rock, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Milam of Fayetteville, N.C. and Raye Bramlett of Burlington; brother-in-law, DeEdwin Shaw of Burlington, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Eddy Mack, and two sisters Brenda Hodges and Ida Rose Brown.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The memorial service for Mr. Harris will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Pastor Marcus Timmons officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held in Union Baptist Church following the service.
A memorial has been established for his family.