John "Doc" W. Harris

Our dad, affectionately known as “Doc”, went to be with his Savior on May, 9, 2024. He was 92 years old. He was born on March 30, 1932, on a farm in Flora, MS to William and Maude Harris, the 4th of six children. From an early age on the farm, he learned the value of working hard and it shaped him significantly for the rest of his life. He grew up milking cows and gathering eggs before going to school.

After a brief time living in San Angelo, TX, Dad returned to Flora to graduate from high school and in the summer of 1950, he joined the Navy at the start of the Korean War. He spent much of his time in the service as the personal chauffeur of the Admiral of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. In 1953, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge.

While it was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, he met a young lady by the name of Carolyn Russell who captured his heart. John and Carolyn were married on July 10, 1954, and for almost 60 years were simply known as “Doc & Carolyn”. Life forever changed for them when they decided to move to Texas to attend vet school at Texas A&M, where he graduated in 1961 and then moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma to begin his career.

After a year, they moved to Marlin, Texas where he worked for the USDA inspecting livestock. Not long after arriving in Marlin, they were approached by their good friend M.G. Perkins who offered his assistance to help them return to Bryan and open AAA Animal Clinic. For the next 60 years, 51 of those with Carolyn by his side, he would serve the community of Bryan/College Station as a veterinarian while building a family and life here in the Brazos Valley. He saw his last client in October of 2023 at the age of 91.

Dad and Mom often recounted how they had been helped by others and in turn tried to extend a helping hand to many who crossed their path. Dad had a love of hunting, bird dog training, fishing, and golfing. The outdoors is where the vast majority of his lasting friendships were formed. He was a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and the First United Methodist Church in Bryan for over 60 years.

Dad is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; his brothers, Bill Harris, Tom Harris, and Bob Harris; and his sister, Martha Walker.

He is survived by his brother, George Harris; and his children and their spouses, Michael Harris (Angie), and JP Harris (Shannon). Additionally, Dad is survived by his grandchildren and their spouses, Kami McAdoo (Matthew), Kourtney Harris, Katie Lewis (David), John Harris, and Justin Harris.  

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Young Life Brazos Valley at 1103 Anderson, Suite #101, College Station, TX 77840 or online at https://giving.younglife.org/InHonorofDocJohnHarris