Howard Reed "Hoddy" Harris' Obituary
Howard Reed “Hoddy” Harris, 79, died peacefully at his home Saturday, March 30, 2024, with Dianne, his wife of 56 years, by his side.
Hoddy was born October 11, 1944, in a house in Marked Tree, Arkansas to Dora and Cleburne Harris. He relocated to Memphis as a young boy and lived his life here until the early 2000s when he and Dianne moved to their farm in Somerville, TN, where he resided until death.
Hoddy graduated from Humes High School and went on to receive bachelor's and master's degrees from Memphis State University; he was a die hard, bleed-blue Tigers fan. He worked at the Commercial Appeal throughout college, followed by a lifelong career as a speech and hearing teacher working for the Memphis City Schools for over 30 years.
Hoddy married Dianne Ruth on August 26, 1967, and they were blessed with two children, Jeff and Heather, and four grandchildren, Connor, Brendon, Daniel, and Aiden. His favorite things to do were spend time with family, walk on his farm, fish, hunt, read, and sleep.
Hoddy was an avid reader. He loved history and valued education above all else. Being the son of deaf parents, Hoddy was proficient in American Sign Language and worked as an interpreter for the deaf for many years. His passion for articulation and learning shined throughout his life.
Hoddy was preceded in death by his mother Dora, father Cleburne, mother-in-law Sue, father-in-law Sonny, and two younger brothers Atherton and Grover.
He is survived by his wife Dianne, his children Jeff and Heather, grandsons Connor, Brendon, Daniel, Aiden. Also, his four siblings Cherybe, Terry, Betty, and Gannie, and many nieces and nephews that he always considered more like grandchildren. Hoddy also held a place in his heart for his brother-in-law Will, who he thought of as a son.
Funeral services are to be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at The Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis TN 38019. Viewing and visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m., with procession to graveside interment to conclude the service.
There will be a reception at the Parkside Event Center following the funeral services. Please feel free to bring a dish. Come enjoy some fellowship with friends and family and share your memories of a great man.
To view the service online please click on the link below,
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/99582/hash:60CA9D00DD7B0F08
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930
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