Major Allan Harris, Us Army, Ret.

Harker Heights, TX – James Allan Harris, 63, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Scott and White Medical Center, Temple, TX. Born on December 12, 1951, in Amory, he was a son of the late James Morgan and Elvye Vernice Chism Harris.

Allan graduated from Smithville High School, Class of 1969, and from IJC. While in school, he worked for the Smithville Police Department and for Union County Sheriff’s Department. Allan graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1977, with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the US Army in 1978. On October 20, 1973, he married Gloria L. Knight. A Field Artillery Officer, Allan was stationed at Ft. Sill, Ft. Hood, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, and in Germany. Following 22 years of service in the US Army, Reserves and with the Army National Guard, he retired as a Major. Going to work as the Deputy Director of Operational Test Command, Allan retired on March 20, 2014, from Ft. Hood, TX, after 23 years of dedicated service.

He was a member of Harker Heights United Methodist Church. A one-of-a-kind gentleman who was giving and had a great sense of humor, Allan loved his family and was a very active dad. Very supportive of his kids, he was a Boy Scout leader, an NRA Shooting instructor for the Boy Scouts, and coached his children in soccer and softball. Having a big heart and one who never met a stranger, Allan was passionate about children. As a family, they loved to travel and take side trips along the way, often visiting Civil War battlegrounds. Highly intelligent, Allan was a History buff who loved to read. He was a former member of Smithville Lodge #548 F&AM Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Killeen, TX, Lodge #1125, AF&AM Masonic Lodge. Allan was a 33rd Degree Mason and was a Shriner. He was a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans, Major Robert M. White Camp #1250. Allan enjoyed doing Civil War reenactments and listening to Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes and to Dixie.

Survivors include his wife, best friend, and soulmate, Gloria L. Harris, Harker Heights, TX; daughter, Shilo Harris, Harker Heights, TX; sons, Tony Harris, Seminole, TX, and Mike Harris, Harker Heights, TX; grandchild, Anika Harris; sisters, Sandy Meadows (Scott), Columbia, SC; nieces and nephews, Sunni Williams, Sarah Meadows, and Sam Meadows; special friends, Dan and Peggy Chism; and a host of cousins.

His Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, October 22, 2015, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Bro. Glen Hughes and Bro. Justin Haynes officiating. Burial with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Young Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Terry Collums, Jeff Morgan, Harry Davis, Mike Robinson, Terry and Judy Tyler, Glenn Gildon, and Vic Carpenter. Honorary pallbearer will be Danny Benefield.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.