Leroy "Red" Harris. Jr.

Leroy "Red" Harris Jr. passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 in Newton, Iowa.

He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 9, 1946 to the union of Leroy Harris and Beckie Lou (Robinson) Harris.

In his earlier years, Leroy worked as a farmhand, a meat packing worker and was an excellent mechanic.  After becoming disabled, he held a part-time position at his favorite restaurant, Long John Silvers.  Leroy had recently accepted Christ into his life and had in-home Bible study and prayer administered to him through, Christian Church in Newton, Iowa.

Leroy enjoyed being with family, fishing, car detailing, eating Long John Silvers, car rides with his best friend, Josh, watching sports, sitting outside during the warm months and listening to Blues music.  He had a huge heart for children and spent an extraordinary amount of time with all of his nieces and nephews.  During his final months of life, Leroy's best "Buddy" was his four year old niece, Aliyah, who he'd share all of his favorite snacks with and would let her held feed him so she'd feel like a big help in his care.

Leroy is survived by his siblings, Willie Gene "Sam" Harris and Franklin (Carletta) Harris of Des Moines, IA; Carrie Carr of Newton, IA; Vollie Mae Harris of Chicago, IL; Ophelia Harris, Kathy Johnson and Roberta Smith, all of Columbia, MO.  He is further survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ruth Ann Harris; two brothers, Willie James Harris and Andrew "Fat Man" Harris; his special brothers-in-laws, James "Tom Dooley" Mahaney and Floyd "Bubble" Johnson and his long-time partner, Bonnie.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 18th, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Simplify Cremations & Funerals in Des Moines.

Flowers are welcomed to be sent to Simplify Cremations & Funerals, 4821 SW 9th Street, Des Moines and memorial contributions may be sent to Rochelle Harris, PO Box 1415, Newton, IA 50208.