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Ponca City, Oklahoma | Jerry Albert Harris, 78, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday October 8, 2024, at the Ponca City Nursing Home & Rehab in Ponca City, OK after extended effects of a stroke and heart attack.
Jerry was born on January 31, 1946, in Millport, AL to H.W. (Jack) and Edna Lorene Harris. In 1948, the Harris family moved to Lovington, NM where Jerry played in all sports, hunted, worked at the region’s ranches, and had many friends. He grew to love the history of the Southwest, often taking trips with his brother to explore the sites, a practice they followed all his life. There he also accepted Jesus Christ in his life and decided to follow in a life devoted to Christian ministry. He graduated LHS in 1963. In 1966 he married his high school sweetheart Linda Farmer. He graduated Hardin Simmons University and achieved a teacher’s certificate in Texas. He was ordained into the ministry in 1968.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Lorene Harris, his sister Jean Carol Davis, and his wife Linda Harris. He is survived by his brother Phil (Panda) Harris of Normandy, TN and his daughter Amanda (John) Meising of Wasilla, AK. Amanda was the delight of his life and she brought him great comfort in his final days in Ponca City.
Jerry lived a life always putting God first in every way. He was a gifted listener and thus many would talk to him and open up to him about their life issues. Jerry would put you first, stopping whatever he was doing to listen to you. Jerry, thereby, became a friend to all who knew him. He was the epitome of the beatitudes in action, putting others first, going the extra mile, forgiving, and practicing kindness everywhere he went regardless of any imposition on his personal time or finances. There are too many of his kindnesses and deeds to enumerate, but by way of example, at the ranch in Colorado Jerry decided that 10% of the first hay crop should be a gift of first fruits to the Lord. He would give to animal shelters and the Jicarilla Apache and Mountain Ute reservations for those needing the hay. Several regional ranchers heard of this and then begin to do the same. Jerry also had a great sense of humor and frivolity. Each winter at the ranch he would dress as Santa Claus, hitch up the Christmas sleigh, and drive up and down the valley delivering candy to every home, rides to the children, and kindly pausing for pictures along the roadside. Jerry was supportive of his local church wherever he lived by teaching, preaching, and conducting marriages, funerals, and evangelistic crusades. He would often be found doing the mundane work no one else wanted to do. Every day of his life was one of joyful service to his Lord Jesus Christ.
Upon the news of his passing, his local pastor wrote: This verse came immediately to my mind: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” Matthew 25:23.
Jerry’s request was that in lieu of a memorial service, each would provide an offering to the Lord as may be on their heart. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.gracememorialchapel.net.
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