John Ray Harris, Sr., 67, of Van Buren, Arkansas died Saturday, January 22, 2011 in a local hospital. He was retired from the Frisco Burlington Northern Railroad and a member of the Rena Christian Church in Van Buren. He was a lifelong resident of Van Buren and a graduate of Van Buren High School Class of 1962. He was called “Papa John” by the children of the church. He was preceded in death by a sister, Becky Harris Wornkey.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 24, 2011 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Dripping Springs Cemetery under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren.

He is survived by his wife, Darelene Harris of the home; one daughter, Cindy Flurry and her husband, Bobby of Van Buren; one son, John Harris, Jr. and his wife Tina of Van Buren; his mother, Olena Harris of Van Buren; two sisters, Paul Gordon and Mary Arther both of Van Buren; two brothers, Jim Harris of Fort Smith and Ronnie Harris of Van Buren; five grandchildren, Natalie Smith, Ashley Bishop, Natasha Youngblood, Joey Flurry and Nicholas Harris; two great-grandchildren, Sebastian Smith and Mabrey Youngblood.

Pallbearers will be Billy Smith, Chad Youngblood, Austin Bishop, Paul, Kinder, Ronnie Turner and Nicholas Harris.

The Family will visit with friends from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Ocker Funeral Home, 700 Jefferson Street Van Buren.

Memorials may be made to the Rena Christian Church Childrens Fund 1402 Rena Road Van Buren, AR 72956.

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