Ellie Joe Harris, Jr.

November 7, 1936 ~ January 9, 2024 (age 87)

A  salute to a life well lived…

Ellie Joe Harris Jr. (Sonny) was born on November 3rd, 1936, in Parkin, Arkansas to Ellie Joe Harris Sr. and Berniece Harris. Joe had two sisters, Marsha Futrell-McCullough (Cookie) and Karen Futrell-Jones (BB). After moving from the south to Chicago, the family eventually moved to South Bend, Indiana where he grew up. Joe enjoyed his childhood and loved playing sports, especially basketball. He graduated from Central High School in 1954.

On January 21, 1961, Joe married the love of his life, Maxine Wofford, and to this union 4 children were born. He absolutely adored his wife, and they enjoyed their life until the Lord called her home after 23 years of marriage. Joe and Maxine did everything together. They never spent a single day apart from one another. One of Joe’s greatest joys was traveling all over this country with his family. He took a three week vacation every summer. He would sit down and plan every detail; he made vacations an adventure for him and his family. Exposing his family to the best summer vacations was always his and Maxine’s goal.

Joe passionately loved all sports. He bowled in a bowling league, he enjoyed watching women’s tennis, and he especially loved Notre Dame basketball and football. His love of sports led him to coach youth softball and basketball. In the summer months, if he was not working, you would often find him at the ballpark. He was beloved by his players over the years. Though they are all adults now, several still remember and say that he was the best coach ever!

Joe worked many years at Pontiac Motors detailing cars. Because of his ambition, dedication, professionalism, and entrepreneurial mindset, this led to him opening and maintaining his own business until he retired.  This business was called “Harris Auto and Camper Beauty Shop”. What an accomplishment for the times! Some of the things you will never forget about Joe is how much he loved his wife Maxine and his children, his big wide smile, and his kindness. He loved soul food, Fig Newtons, Boston baked beans, and pecans in the shell.

Joe absolutely loved the Lord and joined Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under Rev. Bernard White. He enjoyed Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, as well as regular Sunday services. He was a member for over 70 years.

Joe went to be with the Lord on January 9th, 2024. His loved ones who preceded him in death: parents Ellie Joe Sr. and Bernice, his loving wife Maxine, his son Carlton, sister Karen, and niece SuLandra. He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy: Tony Harris-son, Diana Tinker-daughter, Kimberly Jones-daughter, and Marsha Futrell-McCullough-sister. 11 grandchildren: Meghan Greene, Alex Jones, Carlyn Warren, Carlena Harris, Carlson Harris, Carlton Harris Jr., Michelle Norman, Maxine Moore, Felicia Moore, Ashley Moore and Frank James. 13 great grandchildren: Paige Babin, Kyron Moore, Ellie Hall, Reign Hall, Demachian Hall Jr., Farah Harris, Dakota Harris, Aleah Harris, Elijah Greene, Aryana Norman, Legacy Norman, Jailyn Norman, Serenity Norman and a host of other family and friends.

01/16/2024 EJS