Phillip Michael Harris

Pvt. Phillip Michael Harris, 18, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on February 23, 2008. Private Phillip Michael Harris, a member of the United States Army, died Saturday February 23, 2008 in a fatal car accident in El Paso Texas. Phillip M. Harris was born in
Frankfurt Germany on September 6, 1989, to MSgt (Ret) Joel A. and Rev. Crystal Y. Harris. As the son of an Active Duty Service Member, he lived in Germany, Virginia and New Mexico. His father retired from the Air Force in February 2000 and the family moved to Mesa Arizona. Phillip attended Red Bird and Porter Elementary Schools, Taylor Junior High School and Mesa High School. He developed many friendships during his school years and was the friend that everyone loved. He had a playful sense of humor, and a smile that would melt an iceberg. Even when Phillip managed to get into trouble, he would still give you that crazy little smile. Phillip sang in the Youth Choir, and served in the Young Peoples Department and on the Usher Board. Phillip also assisted with the food pantry on a regular basis. Phillip joined the United States Army on January 16, 2007. After graduation from boot camp in Ft Sill Oklahoma on March 30, he went to Advance Individual Training in El Paso Texas, and graduated with Honors in November. As an Honor Graduate, Private (Pvt.) Harris was hand selected to be part of a newly formed unit, the "Terminal High Altitude Air Defense Unit" and was scheduled to start training for his new career field in April 2008. Because of his love for physical fitness and endurance tests, he was also hand selected to attend Air Assault Training. Private Harris, one of the youngest soldiers in the training, graduated from Air Assault Training on February 15, 2008. Private Harris may have had a short life but he lived his life to the fullest. Private Harris is deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all knew him. He is survived by his parents, Joel and Rev. Crystal; brother, Joel II; sister, Chantel-Celeste. Grandparents, Donald (Sivlois) Reeves of Albuquerque NM, Edward Sullivan of Albuquerque, NM, Juanita Harris of Dunbar, WV; Charles Harris of Ozark Al; John (Rev. Floy) Scott, Mesa AZ, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of extended family and friends. There will be a gathering of friends and family Friday, February 29, 2008, 6pm - 8pm, at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 7040 S. 40th St. Phoenix, AZ. The visitation will take place Saturday, March 1, 2008, 9am - 11am at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Home Going Celebration will also be held at Greater Bethel AME Church, Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Holy Trinity Community AME Church, 220 S Chestnut, Mesa AZ 85204. Preston Funeral Home, is serving the family.