Obituaries: Richard Duke Harris

Richard Duke Harris passed away at his home in McGee Ranch, Arizona surrounded by his family on July 17, 2005. Richard was born in Nogales, Arizona to Levi Harris and Helen Parker on January 24, 1934. He was a graduate of Amphitheater High School where he became a charter member of the FFA. Richard then attended the University of Arizona where he joined ROTC and received a degree in agriculture. In 1955 he married LaVerne McGee and went to Fort Knox, Kentucky returning as a 1st Lieutenant. Upon returning to Nogales, Richard worked as a surveyor and was responsible for re-mapping Santa Cruz County resulting in his becoming County Assessor for two terms. In 1968 Richard moved on and pursued his dream of working in agriculture for his Alma Mater as an Extension Agent. His 29 years as an agent took him to the White Mountain Apache Reservation for five years. Returning to Nogales in 1973 he continued working as an Agriculture Agent in Santa Cruz County. Richard led the Santa Cruz County 4-H Club, numerous county fairs and many youth trips both in the United States and in Mexico. Throughout his life Richard was a man of faith and was the president of the Triumph Lutheran Church Council. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, LaVerne McGee Harris; his sister, Janice McGee (Mickey); four children, Susan Quiroga (Danny), Jeffrey Harris (Barbara), Denise Purvis (Gordon), Mary McKay (Kevin); nine grandchildren and one step-grandchild. Richard will be remembered for being a good husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a good man. In lieu of flowers, the family would like trees planted in his honor. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 22, 2005 at McGee Ranch Cemetery with Rev. Ted Kennedy officiating. Military honors by Ft. Huachuca Select Honor Guard. Arrangements by BRING'S MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 236 S. Scott.