Jerry Lee Harris

Jerry Lee Harris, 76, of Primm Springs, TN, went to be with the Lord on December 17th after a sudden illness.

Jerry was born in Ottumwa, IA, to LaVerne and Muriel Harris on June 26, 1945. He grew up on a farm in rural Northeast Missouri and at one point had the unique experience of riding a horse to his one-room schoolhouse! Jerry was a hard worker and always worked to better himself and achieve. After high school, he worked his way through college and earned a degree from Northeast Missouri State University (now known as Truman State University), where he was actively involved in his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma. He has often expressed such gratitude for the many life skills he gained through fraternity life, and many of his fraternity brothers became lifelong friends. After a first marriage, which blessed him with his beloved son Brock, Jerry met the love of his life, Nancy, while living in Kansas City, and they were married on October 2, 1976.

Jerry found his true calling in sales. He was a born salesman—he loved the challenge of it! Jerry had the unique and wonderful combination of persistence, positivity, and integrity when pursuing a sale. Initially Jerry sold cookware door-to-door, which often took him away from home. Eventually Jerry wanted to spend more time at home with Nancy and his young daughters, Shannyn and Kelsey, and he transitioned to selling insurance, a career he built and thrived in for the rest of his life. He earned some of the highest possible awards over the years including some amazing international trips.

Jerry had many loves, first and foremost his family. He was a loving father and spent countless hours at plays and soccer games supporting his girls as they grew. Once Shannyn and Kelsey had families of their own, he loved making time to visit with his daughters and play with his grandbabies—they loved their time with “Poppy!” Jerry loved to drive and enjoyed many wonderful visits with his son Brock and his family, as well as his dear sister Beverly and her family. Delicious food was one of his love languages—a true Southerner!—and he liked nothing better than a home-cooked meal and a quiet night at home with Nancy. Jerry was also an avid golfer and, especially in his later years, got out on the course as often as he could. Golfing with his son Brock, sons-in-law, and friends were some of his favorite times. So many people who remember him talk about his kindness—he showed his love through acts of service and never hesitated to help a friend or loved one in need. His faith in Christ was a deep source of comfort and guidance to him, and even in the midst of his illness he expressed faith in Jesus and hope in heaven to come.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 45 years Nancy; his son Brock Harris (Stacy); his daughter Shannyn Garcia (David); his daughter Kelsey Walny (Daryl); his sister Beverly Eicholz; his grandchildren Alexa Neumann and Jake Harris, Abigail and Charlotte Garcia, and Rivers Walny; and his great-grandchildren Ivy and Demi Neumann.

There will be a memorial gathering Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM with a Celebration of Life at 11:00AM on February 5 in the Pavilion at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN. 37221

The family of Jerry Harris wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the caring doctors and nurses at Tristar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson, TN. The vigilant, compassionate care they gave to Jerry and his family during such a difficult time was a blessing.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made in the name of Jerry L Harris to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, t2t.org

a check can also be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306