James T. “Sonny” Harris, 76, of Pendleton, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Hancock Regional Hospital. He was born on Dec. 19, 1938, in Paris, Texas, as the son of Alvin S. Harris and Kathryn (England) Barnett.
He served in the Air Force from 1956-1965. Sonny and Charla (Wright) were married on Jan. 3, 1986, in Pendleton.
He worked for Interstate Steel in Alexandria, Indiana, for many years before retiring in 1994. Mr. Harris was a lifetime member of the VFW Post No. 226 and lifetime member and past commander of AMVETS Post No. 26 in Pendleton. He was also a 32-year member of American Legion Post No. 117 in Pendleton. Sonny enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes and trap shooting.
Sonny is survived by his wife, Char of Pendleton; children Cindy (Gary) Lawson of Anderson, Lee (Paul) Martin of Middletown, Indiana, and Kevin (Julie) Harris of Nashville, Indiana; grandchildren Trina (Rodney) Shanahan of Middletown, Amie Jo Rogers of Middletown, Kristy (Tod) Karpinski of Indianapolis, and Kyle (Kayla) Harris of Alexandria, Indiana; nine great-grandchildren; siblings Scott Harris, Bert Harris, Theresa Hickman, and Kathy Gillean, all of Texas; brother-in-law Rex (Laynie) Wright of Quinlan, Texas, and daughters; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin S. Harris and Kathryn (England) Barnett; first wife and mother of his children, Bettye Jo (Childress) Harris; sister Bobbie Joyce Bost, and great-grandson Aaron Paul Shanahan.
Services will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Pendleton Police Department, 550 N. Pendleton Ave., Pendleton, IN, 46064 or North Christian Church, 32 N. State St., Markleville, IN, 46056.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.
