John "Moose" Patrick Harris

John Patrick “Moose” Harris was born September 1, 1925 and passed away December 25, 2019 after living a full life.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Regina McMahon Harris; uncle, John Patrick McMahon (who loved and raised John and his sisters as his own);  sisters Reba Jernigan and Elizabeth ”Betty” Walker; and five nieces and nephews.

In 1951, he married Doris Baxter of Ringgold.  After a few years they moved from his birth town, Chattanooga, to their home built on the Baxter farm (now Lafayette Street).   John and Doris had one son, Chris (Tina), and two grandchildren, Anna Beth and Patrick.

John attended OLPH School, Notre Dame High School where he wrestled, played baseball and football and the University of Chattanooga where he played football.  He started work in the lab at DuPont shortly after they began operations in Chattanooga and later worked in the carpenter shop until his retirement.  A “Mr. Chattanooga” in the 1940s, he was physically active his entire life enjoying his time on DuPont’s softball team, bowling and playing golf at Brainerd golf course and Battlefield Golf Club.  John shot his age many times up in to his late 80s, and had made so many holes in one he lost count.  He passed his love of golf on not only by teaching his son to play, but was a fixture at the driving range across from his home helping all who wished with their golf swing.  He was a square dance caller for the Gold Rings square dance club for many years.  Happy and always willing to help, John had a mischievous streak evidenced by many practical jokes throughout the years. 

Besides immediate family, John is survived by brother-in-law Dan Jernigan, sisters-in-law JoAnn Baxter and Jane Baxter, special nieces Lynn Hawes, Amy (David Blakeman) Jernigan and Susan (BJ Campbell) Baxter, special nephew Ronnie (Linda) Walker and several other nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Catoosa County Senior Center.   John donated his body to the Medical College of Georgia. 

Visitation will be Monday, December 30 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home on Battlefield Parkway.  His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 31 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga with Father Jim Vick officiating.  As John did not like coats and ties, please feel free to honor his memory by dressing more casually.

Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view the online memorial tribute. 

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.