John Thomas Harris was the gentlest soul to grace this earth. John, 48 years old, of Converse, Texas, passed at home on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023. John is survived by his wife, Carol: daughter, Mary Frances: son, Noah: mother, Martha: father, Zandy: brother, Paul. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, and a variety of cousins.
He was born in Lenoir, North Carolina January 9, 1975 to Martha and Zandy Harris, who have always been his biggest supporters. He grew up in New Mexico as a pastor's kid and graduated from Manzano High School in Albuquerque in 1993. He would later go on to graduate from St. Philip's College with an associate in business administration and an associate in economics in 2013. He also attended Wayland Baptist University and obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Care Administration in 2015. During his academic career, he graduated with honors and was inducted to Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
John met the love of his life, Carol in 1994 while attending Dakota Street Church of God in Alburquerque, New Mexico. According to Carol, she fell in love with John in the church parking lot during their many late-night conversations. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married April 18,1998, exactly 1 month after taking on the pastorate of 6th & Kinley Church of God. They spent their married life serving together in their local churches in a variety of ways including childrens'/youth ministry and outreach. They celebrated 25 years of marriage in a vow renewal this past April surrounded by their family and closest friends.
John and Carol couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. They welcomed their first child, Mary Frances in February, 1999. They decided to add to their family and Noah was born in October 2001. John was extremely proud of both of his children. This was evident in the way he showed up in many ways in their lives over the years. John was and is deeply loved by his two children.
John had a soft spot for his furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were. John's favorite girl, Gracie, was adopted into the family about 14 years ago followed by his furry nemesis, Chandler, about 4 years ago. They have been each other's love and support ever since. Another soft spot held by John was his love of babies. Anytime a baby was near, you could find John holding one and singing softly. He definitely was a baby whisperer.
John was passionate about his many years at United Healthcare. He served the company for 23 years in a variety of positions. John continuously gave his best work to United which earned him many "Kudo" departmental awards and in 2019 he earned the company's top employee award, Optum Superhero.
John was an active member of Victory Assembly of God for 20 years. He served in many roles including choir, praise team, children's ministry, outreach, and board member. In 2020, John and Carol began attending Elevation Church online and got involved pretty quickly. They have opened their home as watch party hosts every Sunday for the last year, lead a weekly online small group, and hosted many other church events along the way. John also served on the data team with the church. John's favorite part of attending the online campus of Elevation was the regular fellowship he received through the Wednesday night Sermon Discussion group he and Carol attended every week.
Everyone who knew John knew how much he loved music. He was deemed the "Golden Boy" by many for his angelic voice over the years. He was chosen to sing for his senior class at his high school graduation, and was a member of the Regional and State choirs throughout his high school career.
For several years in his youth, John represented the New Mexico in Teen Talent and Fine Arts Competitions for the Church of God. He sang at several law enforcement events for the Fabian Dominguez award under the Chief of Police and was sought after to sing for many church events and friend's and family's life events. The singing he most enjoyed and is best known for was the humble, but yet powerful way he worshipped and led others to the throne of God. He loved the Lord with ALL of his heart!
John will always be remembered for his sweet and gentle spirit, and how he continually supported his family in every way. We’ll always imagine hearing him sing to us one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better dad, husband, son, and friend, and will miss John every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him, and his testimony with all those who are impacted by his life.
Viewing and services will all be on December 29, 2023. The viewing and service will be held at Victory
Assembly of God in Universal City, Texas. The viewing is at 1 pm and the service at 2 pm. The graveside service will follow the service at St. John John's Lutheran Cemetery in Marion, Texas. The family would greatly appreciate your attendance.
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