Melvin Harris

1941 - 2025

Melvin E. "Duke" Harris, age 84, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025.

Duke was born August 11, 1941, in Fredericktown, Missouri to Cecil M. and Evelyn M. (Williams) Harris.

In April 1959, he married Carla (Bumpus) Zobrist in Poplar Bluff. He then married Gloria Wood in December 1989.

Duke lived a life rooted in hard work, reliability, and a friendly nature. Throughout his life, he made his home in several places including Poplar Bluff and St. Louis, Missouri; 37 years in Lakeland, Florida; and eventually his last few months in Brandon, Mississippi, with his son and daughter-in-law.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Harris in November 1979 and Evelyn McDaniel in February 2016. Also, his second wife Gloria in October 2012.

He is survived by: Son Kevin (Marlo) Harris of Brandon MS; Daughter Kristie Herzberg (special friend Mike Beard) of St Louis MO; Grandson Ryan (Emily) Harris of Mooresville NC and his treasured great-grandson, Atticus.

Grandson Tyler Harris of Belmont NC; Brother Larry (Edith) Harris of St Louis MO; Brother Jerry (Becky) Harris of Shreveport LA; along with several nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply.

Duke spent many years working for White Motor Company in St Louis and then in the early days of what became Truck Centers Inc in Highland before moving to Florida where he worked for Publix Grocery. Duke was very well known and friends to many people in the AA community and helped many people find sobriety and lead a happy life.

Those who knew Duke will remember him as steady, kindhearted, and genuine. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly.

A visitation honoring Duke's life will be held on January 10, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff MO with funeral services immediately following. Interment will follow at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Duke's journey and resilience to The Wilson House in Lakeland (https://wilsonhouserecovery.org/about/) that he supported for years as part of his Alcoholics Anonymous program.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Melvin E. "Duke" Harris. Online Condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.