John R. Harris, Jr.
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John R Harris Jr passed away Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020 in Scottsdale Arizona at the age of 95. He is the son of John R Harris Sr and Bettie Warthen Harris both deceased. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Bullock Harris and his daughter Susan Tocco Harris. He is survived by his son John R Harris III ( Jodi ), daughter Kathi Harris Ifert, two grandchildren ,Mary Kathryn Kontoulis ( Costa) and Ashley Ifert and a great grandchild, Constantine Michael Kontoulis Jr, born on Thanksgiving Day, all who reside in Dallas Tx; brother Horace Harris, Belle Glade Fla, and sister Bettie Jean Caruthers of Salt Springs, Florida.
John was born in Belle Glade Fla and upon graduation from Belle Glade High School enlisted in the Army Air Force and served during WWII as a bombardier-navigator in the B-24 Liberator Bomber. Upon the completion of his military duty, he attended Georgia Tech University, was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He married Barbara Bullock upon graduation in September of 1947 and joined the family snack food manufacturing business in Atlanta.
After several years he joined Blue Bird Body Company, a leading manufacturer of commercial school buses and enjoyed a long corporate career in senior executive positions retiring as President of Blue Bird Wonderlodge, the luxury motor home subsidiary of Blue Bird Body Company. Upon retirement in 1986 ,the family moved to Marietta Ga where he was served in several volunteer management roles helping the Cobb Country Transportation Department of Georgia develop , manage and operate the Cobb County Transportation System as well as volunteering as the Director of Cobb Senior Services organization.
He was a loving father, husband, grandfather and a friend to all. Special thanks to Westminster Village of Scottsdale where he resided for the past 12 years for their love and support. He will be laid to rest in Arlington Memorial Park in Marietta Ga beside his wife and daughter. No services are planned.