George “Mick” Harris of Mt. Olive, Illinois, passed away at 5:33 a.m. on Saturday, December 5th, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, Illinois. He was 74 years young at his passing.
Mick was born on September 2nd, 1946 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the late Lloyd Russell Harris and Erma Frances (Batchelor) Harris. He attended grade school in Sailor Springs, Illinois and later graduated from Clay City high school in 1964. He married Trudy Lynn (Gordon) Harris from Clay City in September 1966.
Mick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Trudy, their son Scott (Kelly) Harris of Huntsville, Alabama, his sister Linda Davidson and three brothers Wayne (Josephine), Fred (Peggy), Tom (Gayle) Harris, all residing in Sailor Springs, Illinois, and two grandchildren Zach (Katie) and Abigail Harris of Huntsville, Alabama. He was preceded in death by both parents.
Mick was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the Army as an infantryman from 1966-1968. He returned safely from his tour just weeks before the 1968 Tet Offensive initiated leading to heavy casualties suffered within his former unit, 3-21st,196th Light Infantry Brigade. He had attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) prior to receiving an honorable discharge. He went on to a 30-year career with UPS as package delivery driver covering both Staunton and Bunker Hill, Illinois. He was inducted into their "Circle of Honor" for never having an accident over that entire period. He was an avid bass fisherman and hunter (quail, pheasant, and deer). Mick was an early and long-time member of the Gillespie Bass Club, winning a number of tournaments, angler of the year, and served as a club officer. Upon retirement he helped his brothers on the family farm until suffering a stroke almost 10 years ago.
Graveside services will take place at Clay City Cemetery, Clay City Illinois on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11 a.m. Deacon Don Woods will be officiating. Military Funeral Honors by the Clay City and Sailor Springs American Legion Post. Masks and social distancing will be required. The service will be recorded and posted to his obituary tribute wall: https://www.beckerandson.com/obituary/George-Harris.
Memorial offerings are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV, https://www.dav.org/) or Esophageal Cancer Awareness (https://www.ecaware.org/),....Or please just go plant a tree with your children and find a Vietnam Veteran to thank for their service. They all arrived home to a much different welcome than any other group of veterans before or after. Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Those wanting to leave an online condolence can do so at beckerandson.com.
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