Mr. Ralph Harris, 90, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at his home in Southaven, MS. Ralph was born in the Denmark Community in Oxford, MS on August 7, 1935, to the late Ada Elizabeth Holmes and Clelon Eugene Harris. He met and married the love of his life, Bobbie Jean Johnson Harris in 1958. Ralph served as an ordained Deacon at Elam Baptist Church in Coffeeville and was a faithful member of Gracewood Baptist Church.
Ralph worked as a Subsistence Sargent, Platoon Sargent, then retired as an Army SFC-E7 after serving 21 years. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran. He received numerous awards including: National Defense Service Metal, Good Conduct Metal with 4 Bronze Loops, Army Commendation Metal, Vietnam Service Metal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retiring from the Army, Ralph worked as supervisor at the University of Mississippi in the receiving department until 1984. Upon his second retirement, he found great joy acting as Santa Claus at the Oxford Mall from 1984-1997.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Jean Johnson Harris; brothers, Luther Lyles Harris, and Kyle Dean Harris.
Survivors include daughter, Wendy Dianne Harris McKenzie (John) of Southaven, MS; brother, Freddie Lee Harris (LaRonda) of Oxford, MS; grandsons, Aaron Joseph Rawson, Jr. and Bradley J. Rawson both of Oxford, MS; great granddaughters, Lily Mae and Abigail Rawson; and great grandson, Aaron Wyatt Rawson.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
