Johnnie Ellis Harris

Johnnie Ellis Harris age 91 of Springfield passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at the Henry County Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 12:00pm at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield with Bro. Steve Freeman and Bro. Bob Cook officiating. Burial will follow in the Robertson County Memorial Gardens with Military honors. Visitation will begin on Monday from 4-8pm and Tuesday from 10am-12pm at the funeral home. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, the last surviving Original founding member of the Robertson County Choral Society; performed Handel's Messiah of the 51st year in April 2014; coached the Lions Club 13-15 year old Baseball Team for 35 years in which he had a diamond named in his honor; was the Choir Director at Grace Baptist Church for 25 plus years; worked for Commerce Union Bank for 39 1/2 years as well as several other banks in the community; made rank of Staff Sergeant earning 3 purple hearts and 1 Bronze Star for his actions at the Battle of the Bulge in the European Theatre during WWII; went to Austin Peay State University and Murray State for two years; was a member of the Springfield Lions Club and Minstrel for 60 plus years; member of the American Legion for 50 plus years. Johnnie was born on January 10, 1923 in Robertson County to the late James Thomas and Sarah Davis Harris. In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Harris; brother, James Harris; sisters, Frances Randolph, Bernice Elliott, Louise Chaudoin and Annie McCarroll. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Anne G. Harris of Springfield; son, Johnnie "Chip" Harris Jr. of Springville, TN; daughter, Jayne Harris and husband Donald Brown of Pegram, TN; grandchildren, John Christopher Harris, Nikole Elmore, John Ellis Harris III; great-grandson, James Christopher Harris. Pallbearers will be Bobby Payne, Bobby Draper, Don Head, Scott Bagwell, Ron DeBerry, Alan Pratt and Larry Pratt. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Borthick and members of the Lions Club. The family request that donations be made to the charity of your choice. AUSTIN & BELL SPRINGFIELD is in charge of arrangements.

Johnnie Ellis Harris

January 10, 1923 - August 2, 2014