Sgt. Major Benjamin “Ben” Harris (US Army Ret.), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and dog dad, passed away on April 22, 2024, in his adopted hometown of El Paso, Texas, surrounded by his family. Born to Myree Allen and Robert Henry Harris on June 14, 1945. Ben loved reading, traveling (especially to Las Vegas!), and his family.
Ben's early years were shared with his siblings, Millie, Dillie, Jackie, Buddy, and Alan, creating a tapestry of memories in his beloved hometown of New Orleans. Growing up in the Irish Channel Neighborhood, Ben and school didn’t get along well and they parted ways when he was in the 7th grade. He worked odd jobs, including a stint as a paperboy for the New Orleans Item Tribune, perhaps this is where his love of reading the news began. He even kept an award he won for being a top newspaper salesman.
As soon as he was able to, Ben enlisted in the US Army and made it his career. The Army was good to Ben. It helped him travel the world. He served during the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War and was stationed at Ft. Ord, Felixstowe (England), Ft. Lewis, Camp Long (S. Korea), Ft. Eustis, SHAPE (Belgium), Ft. Bliss, Ft. Riley, Rotterdam (The Netherlands), and ultimately retired in El Paso after 30+ years of service.
It was during his assignment to Ft. Ord, in 1969, a friend introduced him to Angelita (Lita), his “little angel.” It wasn’t exactly love at first sight, because Lita asked her friend, “Why did you bring me to meet this old man?!?!!” But he was charming and persistent (and he was only a year and a half older, he was just tired from a 48 hour shift and she hadn’t heard his stories 87 times yet), so she eventually realized he was a pretty good guy.
Ben and Lita were married in 1970 and in 1971, Lita gave birth to their one and only son, Paul, while stationed in Felixstowe, England. Ben and Lita both came from large families and having only one child seemed ideal, especially when they had achieved perfection! The three of them traveled across North America and Europe. After England, they lived in Washington, California, Virginia, Belgium, Texas, and The Netherlands. The countries they visited are too numerous to list, but Ben particularly loved the Netherlands and Italy.
Since Ben was going to make the Army his career, he took advantage of the Army GED Plus program. After long days at work, Ben would come home in the evenings to study and he and Paul would read and do homework together. After several months Ben received his GED and was no longer a drop-out. It was a proud accomplishment for the whole family.
Ben's legacy is also carried on by his cherished grandchildren: Wyland and Coda. Each of them will remember their grandfather for his bottomless arsenal of stories (many they heard several times). Ben was always proud of their accomplishments, whether big or small. Each graduation program was kept as a source of pride, especially because he didn’t graduate from high school. Nevertheless, he valued education.
Because Ben had been working since he was 11 years old, he couldn’t just sit at home after retiring from the US Army. Ben worked for several years as a shuttle bus driver and eventually landed a job with America West Airlines as a ramp agent. His background in transportation in the Army clearly prepared him to find his second career working in the airline industry. After 10 years, and a merger with US Airways, Ben decided that he was ready to retire a second time, this time for good.
An avid reader, Ben found enjoyment in Texas Monthly, books about the military, and a variety of financial publications. His hobbies included hanging out with his many dogs over the years, maintaining his well-manicured yard to the sounds of Willie Nelson, and following the stock market. When Ben retired from the military, he had a goal of teaching himself the ins and outs of the world of finance. He set goals for himself and met them, often ahead of schedule. Ben’s philosophy was simple, “buy what you know and/or use.”
Predeceased by his parents and his sisters Mildred Wyres and Jackie Newby and brothers Robert Harris Jr. & Alan Harris, his memory is honored and kept alive by his loving wife Lita , his son Paul (partner Amy), his cherished grandchildren, Wyland (partner Quynh) and Coda, his sisters Eva “Dillie” A. Murrow and Elizabeth "Liz" Scott, numerous nieces and nephews, and his rescue dog Bo.
A public visitation will be held on Monday, April 29th, 2024 from 5-9pm, with a rosary from 6-7pm, at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter, El Paso. On Tuesday, April 30th, at 12pm, mass will be led by Rev. Joe Molina at St. Stephen’s Deacon & Martyr Catholic Church, 1700 George Dieter. Following the service at 1:30pm, Ben will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Rd. El Paso.
Words of remembrance will be shared by his son, Paul Harris, his grandson, Wyland Harris, and anyone else who wants to do what Ben did best: tell a story. We know that Ben will be with us in spirit, hopefully with a cold Heineken.
Ben’s departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound. That said, Ben smoked 1-2 packs of cigarettes everyday since he was in his early teens. We marveled that that old man lasted as long as he did. Each day was a miracle that he was alive, but that can only last for so long. Beg your loved ones to quit smoking, even the stubborn ones.
Benjamin Brown Harris’s story is one of dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family. Ben will be deeply missed. Our family greatly appreciates your support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers we ask that you take the time to thank our military for their service and consider making a donation to the USO or some other veteran’s cause. And finally, please rally around Ben’s “little angel” Angelita, after 54 years of marriage she’s going to need some extra love and support right now.
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