Gerald “Gerry” Ray Harris
Gerald “Gerry” Ray Harris, lifelong resident of Independence, MO passed away peacefully at his home March 29th, 2022. Born March 12th, 1940, to Luther and Louise (Welch) Harris at the old St. Joseph hospital in Kansas City. He was welcomed to heaven by his parents and grandparents, Harold W. Welch and Pearl Harris-Welch, former in-laws, Green and Mildred Waldrop. After graduating in 1958 from William Chrisman High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served honorably until 1966. He was a licensed land surveyor for over 50 years and served as the Jackson County Surveyor until his retirement. Baseball was a passion for him, and he coached Zenith Smith League baseball for several years, including a teen-age Frank White. He was also an avid runner and finished several marathons. His lifelong dream was to be a writer. He accomplished that dream when his novel, “The Wreck of the James Monroe” was published in 2015. He is survived by his wife Judy Harris, his two sons, Wade (Brenda) Harris and Alex Harris, three stepsons Carl-Frederick Krysa, Mark Krysa, and Michael Krysa. Granddaughters Jennifer R. Harris and Olivia L. Harris, his great grandson Dirk M. Harris, the mother of his sons, Velda D. Waldrop, and eight-half brothers and sisters, and his beloved dog and constant companion Lucky. Visitation Friday April 1st, 6 PM to 8 PM. Services Saturday, April 2nd 4 PM at D.W. Newcomer’s 509 S. Noland Road, Independence. Cremation. Gerry lived life on his own terms and will be missed by all who loved him, until we all meet again. “Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and it’s current is strong; no sooner does anything appear than it is swept away, and another comes in its place, and will be swept away too.” ---Marcus Aurelius
