In Loving Memory of Reverend Stephen L. Harris
November 21, 1950 – August 18, 2026Reverend Stephen L. Harris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, minister, musician, and servant of the Lord, was born on November 21, 1950, to Marvin and Dorothy Harris. On August 18, 2026, Stephen went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Stephen's life was devoted to one great purpose: spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ by both word and song. His goal was to spread the Word of God, serve others, and lead those who were lost to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He truly possessed a servant's heart and was deeply passionate about the calling God had placed upon his life.Stephen was known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He found great joy in making people laugh and could brighten a room with his personality and infectious humor. Yet beneath that humor was a man who took his calling very seriously. Reaching the lost and pointing people toward Jesus Christ was not simply something he did—it was the mission of his life.Stephen was blessed with three daughters, and one of his greatest priorities as a father was teaching them to be strong, capable, and self-sufficient. He believed his daughters should know how to take care of themselves and taught them skills that were not traditionally associated with raising girls. He taught them how to change oil, change tires, replace spark plugs, and even how to buff and paint cars. Through these lessons, he gave his daughters much more than practical skills—he taught them confidence, independence, perseverance, and the belief that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to.Stephen's love for music began at a young age. A self-taught musician, he was gifted with the ability to quickly master nearly any instrument he picked up. Throughout his life, he played the trumpet, guitar, banjo, dobro, steel guitar, piano, and mandolin. Music became one of the greatest ways he expressed his love for the Lord.Stephen found solace and inspiration in writing songs about his Lord and Savior, creating music that he could share with those to whom he ministered. He was especially proud to minister alongside his wife daughters, and son-in laws through word and song. The Harris Family Singers became one of his proudest accomplishments. Together, the family traveled across multiple states, sharing the Gospel, singing praises, and ministering to people in need.For Stephen, music was never simply entertainment. It was ministry. Every song was an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. Every performance was an opportunity to encourage someone who was hurting. Every place they traveled was another opportunity to share the love and hope found in Christ.Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Dorothy Harris, and his brother, Michael Harris.He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Sherry Harris, with whom he shared a lifetime of faith, family, ministry, music, laughter, and memories.He is also survived by his three daughters and their husbands:Melissa and Bill Hickerson of Gray, Tennessee;Shelly and Kien Ngo of Murrieta, California; andStephanie and Christopher Franks of Johnson City, Tennessee.Stephen leaves behind six grandchildren: Lee Ngo; Noah Ngo and his wife, Lexus; Joshua Hickerson and his wife, Olivia; Chloe Wilson and her husband, Kolby; Hannah Hickerson; and Jonah Harris-Furches, as well as one great-grandchild, Mallory Kate Hickerson.If you asked Stephen what his greatest accomplishment in life was, he would tell you without hesitation: his family and their dedication to the Lord. He was immensely proud of his wife and daughters and grateful for the family God had given him. His greatest desire was that his family would continue the work of serving Christ and sharing His love with others.Stephen's calling was reaching the lost and leading them to the Lord Jesus Christ, and he took that calling seriously until the very end. His life was a testimony of faith, service, music, family, and an unwavering desire to share the Gospel.“He Hath Put a New Song in My Mouth”Psalm 40:3 (KJV)“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”Stephen spent his life singing that new song. Now, he is no longer singing here on earth, but is singing praises in Heaven at the feet of Jesus, reunited with his mother and those who went before him.His earthly song has ended, but his heavenly song has just begun.───A Special Thank YouThe Harris family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Eastern Star Freewill Baptist Church of Kingsport, Tennessee, for giving The Harris Family Singers their first opportunity to worship and minister through song upon their arrival in Northeast Tennessee in 1999.The family will forever be grateful.