John W. Harris Jr. died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, at Merit Health River Region Medical Center.  He was 81.

He was the son of the late John W. and Stella Dean Harris.

Born in Delhi, La., John had been a resident of Warren County since 1976. He served in the United States Army and spent time in Germany.

He began his career with the Vicksburg District in 1971 as a tender operator on the M/V Fife in Operations Division. In 1974, he was promoted to pilot on the M/V Mateur and later was the pilot on board the Lipscomb. In 1994, he was selected as pilot on board the dredge Jadwin and promoted to master, dredge Jadwin.

Capt. Harris received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career including the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service in 1999, and was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees in 2004.  His dedication, loyalty to the Corps and exceptional performance contributed significantly to the mission of the Vicksburg District. Capt. Harris served as master of the dredge Jadwin until his retirement in 1999 after 28 years of outstanding service.

John married Eula Waller Harris in 1962, and they were married for 33 years.  Eula passed away in 1995.  He married Beverly Ervin in 2006. John was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church and attended Bradley’s Chapel UMC.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, he was predeceased by one sister, Patsy Harris Butts; and two brothers, Marshall Harris and Huey Harris.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Ervin Harris of Vicksburg; his children, Dana Harris Abraham of Overland Park, Kansas, Tra (Nina) Harris of Lafayette, La., Dawn (Bradley) Carroll of Atlanta, Jimelle (Johnny) McBroom of Vicksburg and John (Lynne) Ervin of Vicksburg; one brother, Hillard Harris of Lancaster, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016, at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. George Butler officiating. Burial will follow at Epps Cemetery in Epps, La.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, and from 10 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of service.

Pallbearers will be Matthew  Abraham, Christopher  Abraham, Jonathan Nehring, Taylor Doucet, Tanner Doucet, Chris Latiolais, Harris Carroll, Cody McBroom, Joshua Mathes and Buster Ervin. Honorary pallbearers will be Rowdy Nosser, Chuck Ashley, Robert Brewer, Cecil Bryant, T.K. Grant, Elsworth Kent, Jimmy Derrington, Cooter Allen and members of the men’s group of Bradley’s Chapel.

Memorial donations may be made to Bradley’s Chapel UMC, 11031 Oak Ridge Road, Vicksburg, MS, 39183 or to the American Heart Association.