Joseph Jonathon Harris

Joseph Jonathon Harris, 54 of Hattiesburg, passed away January 8th at Merit Health in Hattiesburg. He was born January 5, 1967 in Brooklyn, NY, the eighth of ten children to Othello William and Clara Dee (Lowery) Harris. He grew up in Newburg, NY and was an athletic, rambunctious young man. Joseph was inovative and enjoyed music. He played the drums and piano, enjoyed singing, and even wrote a little poetry along the way. He attended Newburg Free Academy, graduating with the Class of 1985 and decided to join the US Army. Following basic training, Joseph was sent to Korea. He enjoyed serving in the military and made it his career, serving in the regular Army, Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve through the years. He is remembered as a "chivalrous gentleman" and was widely know as "Johnny Gill". Joseph was creative with a passion, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He could have made a career as a comedian if he had wanted to. In all, his approach and motto through life was simply to "be easy". He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. Joseph was preceded by his father, Othello Harris, and his sister-in-law, Gayle Harris. Left to cherish the many memories and laughs are: his wife and daughter, Tina and Tanishia Harris, both of Queens, NY; his mother Clara Harris of Orlando, FL, and his siblings: brothers Charles of Lafayette, LA, Isaac of Tulsa, OK, Ronnie (Lisa) of Orlando, Victor (Linda) and Tyl Harris, both of Newburg, with Edward (Cherelle) Donaldson of Suffolk, VA, and his sisters Sabrina Thorpe of Newburg and Macey Wright of Lumberton, NC, along with numerous extended family members, his military family, and countless friends in every place he lived through the years. His final wishes were to be cremated, which his family has honored. Joseph will be interred with military honors, Friday, February 18, 2022, in the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. Honors will begin promptly at 2:00 PM, followed by a brief memorial. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Harris family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.