John Harris

The life of John De Forest Harris came peacefully to a close on Friday, May 28, 2021, at home with his wife and son by his side.

John was born in Berlin Germany, while his father was stationed at Templehof Air Base shortly after the close of World War II.  With them he lived across the globe, including Hawaii and Guatemala.

He was a graduate of St. Andrews School, Boca Raton, Rollins College, Winter Park, and University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville.  He was a practicing attorney for over 3 decades, mostly in private practice but also as a public defender.

He loved the Gators, golf, bridge and cribbage and was a master at all 3 games having played since childhood.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gail and Lt Col Paul H Harris, and a sister, Elsa Durbin Harris.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Dorothy Freeman Harris, and 3 children, John Henry Harris, Orlando, Benjamin Young and Kristin of Athens, GA, and Caroline and Brian Beasley of Rota, Spain.  6 grandchildren also survive, Andrew, Christian, Jackson and Eleanor Young, and Charlotte and Van Beasley. He is also survived by his brother, Paul H. (Hank) Harris, Jr. of Rapid City, SD.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 12th, at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, at 11:00am, with a reception afterward at the home of close family friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to John may be made to Rollins College Annual Fund, General Athletics, in his and his father's memory.

Arrangements entrusted to CAREY HAND COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806 407-898-2561 www.careyhandcolonialfh.com