Colonel Joe Raymond Harris passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia, with his beloved daughter, Stephanie by his side. Born November 17, 1936, in Houston, Texas, to Lieutenant Colonel McGrew and Rosa Batson Harris, Joe grew up with a deep commitment to service. A proud 1958 graduate of Texas A&M University, Joe commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and earned his wings as a navigator at Lackland Air Force Base. He served with distinction during the Cold War in the Strategic Air Command as a navigator on a B-52 "Stratofortress," with an initial assignment with the 4245th Strategic Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and later to the 509th Bombardment Wing at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire.

In 1967, in North Carolina, Joe joined the Air Force Reserves while beginning what would become a successful career with DuPont, rising to the position of Director of Quality Control in Florence, South Carolina. In 2001, Congressman Lindsey Graham recognized Joe R. Harris as the Feb. 03, 2026, Outstanding Reserve Officer for South Carolina. His military service culminated with the 315th Military Airlift Wing, where he rose to the rank of Colonel and served as Vice Wing Commander. Joe's retirement years in South Carolina were defined by community and creation. He was instrumental in developing Bennett's Point into a vibrant community. He served his neighbors as Chief of the local Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jones Harris; his children, Julia, Stephanie (Robert Murphy), and Stephen (Cassandra); his grandchildren, Tyler, Dylan, and Hannah; and his brothers, William and James Harris.

Joe will be inurned among his extended Batson family in the Madisonville Cemetery in Madisonville, Texas on March 27, 2026, at 11 A.M.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.