Bonnie M. Harris (5-15-12)

JEFFERSON - The family of Bonnie Marion Harris, 90, is saddened to announce his passing on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 17, at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel. Bonnie's son In-law, Marshall Gunn, officiated. Interment followed at the old Sardis United Methodist Church Cemetery, Thompson Mill Rd., Buford, GA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rescue Me Ministries, 4350 Pable Professional Ct., Jacksonville, FL 32224.

Bonnie was born February 7, 1922 in Suwanee, the son of the late Lowell and Bertha Waycaster Harris.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Jessie and Winton; and sisters, Dorothy Lewis and Hazel Garner.

Bonnie resided in Gwinnett County for over 45 years and moved to his current home in Jefferson in 2006. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his bravery in World War II. As part of the 82nd Airborne Division, he deployed into Normandy in a glider.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ethleen Duncan Harris, Buford; daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Marshall Gunn, Jacksonville, Fla., and Shelley and Jerry Prather, Lilburn; son and daughter-in-law, Lamar and Cathy Harris, Jefferson; granddaughters, Michelle Moore and Julie (Justin) Fuller; four great-grandsons; and a number of nephews and nieces, including Freda (Darrell) Henderson.

He was a self-taught, hardworking father and provider who loved his family very much. His sense of humor prevailed up to the very end. For years, he carried a poem in his pocket. He lived this poem every day, as long as he was able:

Help all the People you can
In all the Places you can
In all the Times you can
In all the Ways you can
By all the Means you can
For as Long as you can

Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel, Buford, was in charge of arrangements.