Stewart Harris

Stewart Edward Harris, also known as "Poots" and "Pooty," of Harrisburg, was called home on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital, Harrisburg, PA, and was surrounded by a host of loving family members. Stewart was born on January 8, 1930 in Harrisburg, PA to the late William Harris, Sr. and Katherine Stewart Rease, and was married to the late Betty M. Spriggs-Harris. At the age of 22, Stewart was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as PVT 1 st Class and fought in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 in the K Company 28 th Infantry Regiment. Stewart was honorably discharged, and before returning home, he was decorated with a Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, 2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Stewart was a hard-working man who acquired his trade in construction at an early age and became a member of the Local Union 1180, Harrisburg, where he worked many years for major local companies such as: Murray Shield Construction, and G.R. Sponaugle & Sons, and retired from the union after 35 years of service. He was a very talented and gifted handyman that took pride in his work and loved to help others. Stewart cherished his mom and loved all his sisters and brothers. He also loved to bowl and was a member of one of the 1 st African American Bowling Leagues formed at the bowling alley above Kaiser's five and dime store near 3 rd and Hamilton Streets in Harrisburg. He loved his entire family and had a special place in his heart for his children and grandchildren. He would do anything for them and would always put family and their needs before himself. Genuine unconditional love! Stewart is preceded in death by his wife Betty M. Spriggs-Harris of 47 years; his parents, William Harris, Sr., and Katherine Stewart Rease, and 5 siblings: Betty Jackson, Harry Harris, Evelyn Black-Hill, William Harris, and Leonard Harris. Stewart lived a long and wonderful life and was always surrounded by family and close friends. He is survived by his daughter, Denise M. Hamilton (Darrell) of York, PA; his sons Derrick Burke (Gina) of Harrisburg, PA; and James Burke (Joann) of Lebanon, PA; and longtime companion Juanita Burke of Harrisburg, PA. Stewart was also like a father to Tracy Burke, Robin Burke and Jeffery Burke, and a host of many other nieces, nephews, and cousins respected him and regarded him as a father-figure. Stewart also leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren Derrick Jr., Tiffany, Quintin, Christopher, Tristen, Darrell Jr., Kaden and a host of other special grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A public viewing for Stewart will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9:00 A.M ~10:00 A.M. with a Funeral Service beginning at 10:00 A.M ~ 11:45 A.M. with Reverend Diane L. Jefferson officiating at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2730 Booser Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17103. Burial will follow taking place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with Military Honors at 1:00 P.M at 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA 17003. www.pennlive.com/obits