BENNIE LEWIS HARRIS
Sunrise: March 7,1957- Sunset: December 19, 2025
Bennie Lewis Harris, age 68, was born March 7,1957 to Louis and Georgia Lee Harris in Union Springs, Alabama.
Bennie grew up in Union Springs with siblings, Eula Harris- Pruitt of Hurtsboro, AL, Louis Harris Jr. of Union Springs, AL, Mary Louise Harris of Montgomery, AL, Tommy Lee Harris of Union Springs, AL, Willie Lee Harris (deceased), and Ruby Lee Harris of Union Springs, AL.
He is preceded in death by mother and father Georgia Lee and Louis Harris as well as brother Willie Lee Harris. Bennie's legacy will live on through his daughters Penny Nicole Harris of Montgomery, AL and Sade Quintana Harris of Montgomery, AL as well as his grandchildren, [Penny] Chardonnae Jones, Zachary Harris, [Sade] Dakariyah Thrasher, Darell Thrasher Jr., Kassie Harris. Stepsons William Smith (Crystal) of Banning, CA, Antoine Shipp of Hammond, IN, and Dwayne Shipp of Los Angeles, CA and a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He attended First Baptist Church in his hometown, where he was baptized and committed his life to The Lord at an early age. Bennie graduated from Union Springs High School in May of 1975. He then attended Alabama State University from September 1975 until June 1979. There he majored in music and garnered the nickname, "Godfather of the Tuba," solidifying and showcasing his love and in-depth knowledge of music. While attending ASU, he pledged two fraternities, Kappa Kappa Psi Inc. (National Honorary Band fraternity) and Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. (Historically Black Greek-letter fraternity). Bennie furthered his education by graduating from American InterContinental University (AIU) with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Forensic Science in 2009.
In March of 1985, Bennie began his military career by serving within the United States Navy. During his tenure, he became a highly decorated Chief Petty Officer, attaining numerous awards. Bennie received four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, one Meritorious Unit Commendation, five Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Medals, five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and one Kuwait Liberation Medal. As he rose through the ranks, his shipmates bestowed upon him the special nickname of "Flight Deck Harry," due to his mastery of all jobs on the flight deck. Bennie met his current wife, Laura Harris of Hammond, IN while serving in the military. They were married for over 20 years.
In 2004, after 29 years of faithful service to the United States Navy, Bennie retired from his military duties. He then transitioned into his work with the State of Indiana Department of Corrections, serving as a correctional officer, with the rank of Seargent; he retired in 2019.
Outside of work, Bennie was a multitalented, multifaceted, magnetic Renaissance man. He was often asked to MC events for work, displaying his innate ability to entertain the masses. He never shied away from the spotlight and would often be the life of the party. Bennie was always encouraging others to shine and inspire others to be their best selves.
Bennie was known as a man who could do anything, from playing all musical instruments to remodeling homes. He often said that he can see the potential in anything and anyone. Bennie was generous to a fault and would constantly give to his loved ones. Family and friends often describe Bennie as dependable, loving, "man's man," patient, and intelligent. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
The family of Bennie Lewis Harris wishes to express their appreciation for your kind words, expressions of sympathy, and positive thoughts & prayers during this time of bereavement. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
-The Family of Bennie Harris- Visitation Saturday, January 03, 2025 - from 9:00 a.m.-11:00a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services at the Guy & Allen Chapel 2959 W 11th Avenue Gary, IN 46404. Repass to follow at Greater Gary AmVets #6 2060 Clark Road Gary, IN 46404
Sunrise: March 7,1957- Sunset: December 19, 2025
Bennie Lewis Harris, age 68, was born March 7,1957 to Louis and Georgia Lee Harris in Union Springs, Alabama.
Bennie grew up in Union Springs with siblings, Eula Harris- Pruitt of Hurtsboro, AL, Louis Harris Jr. of Union Springs, AL, Mary Louise Harris of Montgomery, AL, Tommy Lee Harris of Union Springs, AL, Willie Lee Harris (deceased), and Ruby Lee Harris of Union Springs, AL.
He is preceded in death by mother and father Georgia Lee and Louis Harris as well as brother Willie Lee Harris. Bennie's legacy will live on through his daughters Penny Nicole Harris of Montgomery, AL and Sade Quintana Harris of Montgomery, AL as well as his grandchildren, [Penny] Chardonnae Jones, Zachary Harris, [Sade] Dakariyah Thrasher, Darell Thrasher Jr., Kassie Harris. Stepsons William Smith (Crystal) of Banning, CA, Antoine Shipp of Hammond, IN, and Dwayne Shipp of Los Angeles, CA and a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He attended First Baptist Church in his hometown, where he was baptized and committed his life to The Lord at an early age. Bennie graduated from Union Springs High School in May of 1975. He then attended Alabama State University from September 1975 until June 1979. There he majored in music and garnered the nickname, "Godfather of the Tuba," solidifying and showcasing his love and in-depth knowledge of music. While attending ASU, he pledged two fraternities, Kappa Kappa Psi Inc. (National Honorary Band fraternity) and Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. (Historically Black Greek-letter fraternity). Bennie furthered his education by graduating from American InterContinental University (AIU) with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Forensic Science in 2009.
In March of 1985, Bennie began his military career by serving within the United States Navy. During his tenure, he became a highly decorated Chief Petty Officer, attaining numerous awards. Bennie received four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, one Meritorious Unit Commendation, five Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Medals, five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and one Kuwait Liberation Medal. As he rose through the ranks, his shipmates bestowed upon him the special nickname of "Flight Deck Harry," due to his mastery of all jobs on the flight deck. Bennie met his current wife, Laura Harris of Hammond, IN while serving in the military. They were married for over 20 years.
In 2004, after 29 years of faithful service to the United States Navy, Bennie retired from his military duties. He then transitioned into his work with the State of Indiana Department of Corrections, serving as a correctional officer, with the rank of Seargent; he retired in 2019.
Outside of work, Bennie was a multitalented, multifaceted, magnetic Renaissance man. He was often asked to MC events for work, displaying his innate ability to entertain the masses. He never shied away from the spotlight and would often be the life of the party. Bennie was always encouraging others to shine and inspire others to be their best selves.
Bennie was known as a man who could do anything, from playing all musical instruments to remodeling homes. He often said that he can see the potential in anything and anyone. Bennie was generous to a fault and would constantly give to his loved ones. Family and friends often describe Bennie as dependable, loving, "man's man," patient, and intelligent. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
The family of Bennie Lewis Harris wishes to express their appreciation for your kind words, expressions of sympathy, and positive thoughts & prayers during this time of bereavement. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
-The Family of Bennie Harris- Visitation Saturday, January 03, 2025 - from 9:00 a.m.-11:00a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services at the Guy & Allen Chapel 2959 W 11th Avenue Gary, IN 46404. Repass to follow at Greater Gary AmVets #6 2060 Clark Road Gary, IN 46404
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