Devon Jamel Harris, of Mesquite, TX, was born July 3, 1986 in Dallas and graduated in 2004 from Skyline High School. He went on to Southwest Christian College for two years.
He was an active member of the Southern Hills Church of Christ. He volunteered at his school and his church. He is remembered as a deep, thoughtful man.
"He was like my best friend, always watched out for me. I trusted him with anything." Ashley Harris, twin sister.
"I've never met someone so full of energy and life and who kept the biggest smile you'd ever want to see. Thanks for being a good person and friend." Tosha
He played the Violin and wanted to be a History Teacher.
"He wanted to teach about great men in history — like Martin Luther King Jr. and Medgar Evers — who made a difference and also gave their lives for freedom." Joyce Cathey, churchmember.
"He used to fix me breakfast and give it to me in bed. Any time I called him; he would come and say, ‘Okay, grandma.' He would do anything for me." Lula Smith-Johnson, grandmother.
He joined the Army in August 2009 and was assigned as a Combat Engineer to Special Troops Battalion, 4th BCT, 10th Mountain Division, Ft Polk, LA. He deployed to Wardak, Afghanistan in October 2010. His grandfather had served in the Korean War and his great-grandfather in WWI.
"I think the job he did, he enjoyed it. Like I said, that was what he always talked about." Christopher Harris, brother.
"My son was one of his brothers and was very proud to be with him at Polk and there at war with him." Henry Padilla.
"His unit was very proud of Devon. He had gone on several missions disarming those IEDs. He'd gotten so good, they put him in the lead Humvee. They had a lot of confidence in him." Tennyson Harris, father.
His awards and decorations include: the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
He is survived by father Tennyson Charles Harris, mother Sorainya Delores Harris, brothers Christopher Johnson, David Parker, Michael Rufus, and sisters Ashley Harris, Monica Harris Smith, and Stephanie Rufus.
If you knew Devon personally and have stories to share of His Honor, His Generosity, of his life, please contact us so that we can update his article.