After a successful kidney transplant, on April 26, 2018, Johnny Harris, Jr., 60, of San Angelo, Texas succumbed to an unrelated illness. Johnny is survived by his wife of 38 years, Regina (Major, United States Air Force ret.), daughters Zenobia Harris (Darvell) Bivens and LaGina, son Johnny III (Jessica), grandson Dean Bivens (part-time Batman and Grandpa's full-time superhero), parents Johnny Sr. and Flora Mae Harris, brother Chauncey, sister Flora Mae Harris (Ray) Rattler, and many loving, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Johnny's motto was "God, Family, and Education," and he lived his life accordingly.
He believed that knowledge and education could change your life and perceptions, making you a better person. Johnny had a bachelor's degree in business and two master's degrees, one in business and the other in education.
He and Regina have 3 children: Zenobia (a partner at a law firm), LaGina (an artist, educator and philanthropist), and Johnny III (a clinical counselor). He encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves and never quit.
Johnny committed most of his life to helping his and other people's children. After years selling insurance and owning his own businesses, he returned to his passions-educating and coaching. He first coached football at Zaragoza Air Force, Spain. He later coached at Estacado, High School in Lubbock, Texas. When Johnny and Regina moved to San Angelo, he taught at Lincoln Middle School, then taught and coached at Edison then Lee Middle School.
Johnny began mentoring local high school students and founded a
non-profit to help high school student athletes improve their academics and obtain scholarships for college. Johnny was proud, extremely proud of CAAP (the Center for Athletic and Academic Placement) and the students and cubbies that he coached. During the past 20 years, he and Regina helped mentor hundreds of students and helped many of them get into college.
Services for Johnny will be from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home on Saturday, May 5. There will be music, laughter, and stories (many stories), which is how Johnny wanted to be remembered. Johnny's ashes will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Johnny believed that no child should suffer. So, in lieu of flowers, Johnny wanted everyone to donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a children's hospital that pioneers research and treatment for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. If you would like to bring something to the service for the family, please bring a note or card showing that you support St. Jude.
