Memorials › James Herbert “Corky” Harris
James Herbert “Corky” Harris
2 Aug 1928 – 11 Jun 2022
| Birth | 2 Aug 1928 |
| Death | 11 Jun 2022 |
| Cemetery | Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Dallas , Dallas County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | jwbrookᥫ᭡ on 22 Jun 2022 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240874809 |
Gravesite details
Interment Friday, July 8, 2022, 1:00PM
Bio
Obituary James H. "Corky" Harris August 2, 1928 - June 11, 2022 Born in Commerce, Texas, James was immediately given the nickname "Corky" by an uncle, as the comic strip "Gasoline Alley" featured the birth of baby Corky just 3 months prior. After a short residence in Gilmer, Texas his family moved to Dallas where he spent the remainder of his life. He attended Lida Hooe Elementary, Greiner Junior High, Sunset High School, and Crozier Tech. A few months before graduation, like many young men his age, he quit high school to join the Navy. Along with other Texas veterans, Corky finally received his high school diploma in 2001. While stationed at the Navy base in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he met the love of his life, Joan Walsh, at a roller skating rink. While on leave, they came to Dallas, and were married on July 6, 1949. After being discharged in April 1950, they made Dallas their home. He was the first in a long line of family members not to be a barber. He worked at General Electric, Braniff Airlines, and Chance Vought Aircraft before opening Corky's Lawnmower and Small Engine Repair. He and Joan operated the business for 42 years until retirement at the close of 1999. Since the lawnmower business was very light during the winter months, he took on numerous wintertime jobs to make ends meet. He dearly loved his three kids, Phil(1950), Kathy(1952), and Debbie(1956). Corky got into stock car racing before Phil was born. He retired from driving racecars in 1955, and started Phil racing quarter-midgets in 1956. The Harris team became very successful, racing across the country, while making many life-long friends. This led Corky into becoming the premier flagman at numerous race tracks across the southwest. In the 60's he became a racetrack promoter at the Big "D" Speedway in Grand Prairie. He was the flagman in the 1972 movie "Corky". Many racers have said that there are more pictures with Corky Harris in them, holding the checkered flag, than of anyone else. He retired from flagging in the 1990's. In addition to racing, he and Joan enjoyed another outdoor hobby. They were heavily involved with horses and mules for many years, making many friends along the way. Corky even traveled around Texas with his covered wagon and team of mules during the Texas Sesquicentennial. Corky had a servant's heart. He was in his 47th year as an active member of the Oak Cliff Lions Club, exemplifying their motto, "We Serve". Among his accolades as a Lion, he served on the Board of Directors, hosted many foreign exchange campers, played various roles in the annual Extravaganza show, and was a Texas Lions Camp and Lions Sight and Tissue life member. In previous years, he was a Mason. He was also a charter member of the Big D First Aid Squad, actively participating during the early 1960's through the mid-1970's. Even until the tragic auto accident that took his life, Corky and Joan (A.K.A.- Dad and Mom, Papaw or Pawpaw and Granny, Big Papaw and Big Granny, Big Pop and Granny Grump) were still active. They loved being with people, especially family. Their family has grown from Corky, Joan, and their three kids, to include 11 grandkids, 20 great-grandkids, 5 great-great grandkids, and 13 grand in-laws. Today, the pallbearers are all of his grandkids. A granddaughter and a great-grandson will lead the prayer and scripture at the National Cemetery. Corky is preceded in death by his parents Loarn and Corene Harris, brother Bozie Harris and wife Faye, daughter Kathy Abel and sons-in-love Sam Abel and Johnny Hill. He is survived by his bride of nearly 73 years, Joan Harris, son Phil Harris and wife Darcy, Debbie Hill, sister-in-law Phyllis Walsh, niece Jeannie McColpin and husband Mike, niece Kay Weiss and husband Jim, 49 grands and great-grands, and many extended family members and friends. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations in honor of James "Corky" Harris to his favorite cause, the Texas Lions Camp (for children with physical disabilities, diabetes, or cancer). Please mail your donation to: Texas Lions Camp c/o Oak Cliff Lions Club, PO Box 4445, Dallas, TX 75208. Or, you may donate online at www.lionscamp.com. Acknowledgements may be sent to The Family of Corky Harris, 722 Woodcrest Dr. Grand Prairie, TX 75052. Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church, 602 W. Belt Line Rd., Cedar Hill, Texas 75104 at 10:15 am, Friday, July 8th, 2022. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Military Honors and Interment will follow at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Inscription
AA US NAVY LOVING HUSBAND DAD PAPAW HERO
Photos
Family
Parents
Spouse
Siblings
Children
Export GEDCOM
This person only · Entire connected family