Deming Harris

Deming Harris, 81, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017 in Merkel, Texas at Merkel Nursing Home.

Born in Henderson, Tennessee, on February 17, 1936, Deming was the son of Versie Deming Harris and John D. Harris, Sr. He attended Freed Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, where he played basketball. One of the highlights of his life was attending his high school class reunions as often as possible.

Deming served in the U. S. Air Force for 23-1/2 years, having been on two tours of duty to Spain and three tours at Dyess AFB, where he retired. He received several certificates and awards during his military and flying careers. He was a private pilot and an instructor.

Deming was a computer technician and retired after working for National Cash Register for 11 years and Abilene Reporter-News for 6 years. He loved his volunteer work and delivered for Meals on Wheels for 18 years. He was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Good Samaritan Sunday School Class, Nehemiah Group, Church Builders, and Primetimers. He was also a member and past president of Lions Club.

Deming married Loretta Day on July 25, 2009.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Martha Ann Fox Harris; brother, John D. Harris, Jr.; sister, Wanda Jean Lovelace and husband, Thomas Lovelace; and brother-in-law, Tommy McKnight.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta Day Harris; daughter, Mitzi Merchant and husband Ken; son, Anthony Harris and wife Jamisyn; and son Mike Harris: two grandkids, Emory Harris and Jackson Harris; two sisters, Virginia Williams and husband Jimmy, and Willa Dean McKnight, and sister-in-law, Mary Harris, as well as several nieces and nephews. Deming is also survived by Loretta's children, Randy Day and children Scott and wife Michelle, Brittney, and Christopher Shane; Marsha Day Stewart and husband Terry, and children Zach, Ashley, and Hailey; and Daryl Day and wife Rebecca, and children Austin, Blake, and Colt.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 7, at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church with Rev. Stan Allcorn officiating. Burial will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wes Ratliff, Bruce Morris, Lynn Mendenhall, Gary Milliorn, Ron Blackmore, Doug Eichorst, Hal McCullough and Kerry Williams.

The family expresses special thanks to all caregivers, including Jessie, Linda, Kathy, Crystal, Cindy, Bonnie, Stacy, Becky, Pricilla, Melissa and Jennifer, at Merkel Nursing Home where Deming spent his last two years.

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc., P O Box 903, Abilene, Texas 79604; or Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 South Pioneer Drive, Abilene, TX 79605.