Last updated on January 11, 2022
Earl Franklin Harris, Jr., age 79, of Rockwall, TX passed away on January 5, 2022. He was born September 1, 1942, in Dallas, TX, to Earl Franklin Harris, Sr. and Lydia Ann (Sirny) Harris. He worked for Kroger for 49 years as a store manager and market manager as well as teaching a meat cutting school for several years.
“Big Earl” as friends and family called him was well known for his delicious homemade hot sauce. He loved to prepare it in gallons, even growing his own peppers. Hot sauce was his passion and he experimented with many different kinds of peppers, making red and green salsa. He loved making hot sauce for his friends and family.
Earl was very active in Boy Scouts when he was young and with all three of his sons. They enjoyed “High Adventure” trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico as well as Ely, Minnesota at Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base.
Earl was a “people person” and never met a stranger in his life. His days off work were spent visiting all his friends. He was known for his hilarious sense of humor and was always the life of the party.
Earl loved to sing on road trips with his family and always sang in school and church choirs. His big, booming bass voice will never be forgotten.
Earl attended St. Phillips United Methodist Church in Garland. His presence will be deeply missed.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of 58 years: Dianna Harris of Rockwall, TX; children: Rodney Harris and wife Jody of Rockwall, TX, Gregory Harris and wife Vicki of Rowlett, TX, Alisha Wilson and husband Michael of Mesquite, TX, and Brandon Harris and wife Jessica of Justin, TX; grandchildren: Erica Harris, Robin Conley and husband Aaron, Natalie Harris, Gregory Harris, Jr., Dianna Nicholas, Annalisa Wilson, Benjamin Wilson, Sean Woodson, Gabrielle Harris, and Mark Harris; great-grandchild: Liam Nicholas; and brother: Calvin Harris and wife Ruth of Forney, TX.
A gathering of friends and family will take place Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at The Gathering at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held 1:00pm, Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location, officiated by Dr. Rene Lawson.
