Christopher Bradley Harris, 32, of Harrison, formerly of Hobart, Tasmania, won his fight with ALS by leaving it earthbound on Sunday, May 29 (2011).
Brad was born July 24, 1978, in Heidelberg, Germany. He graduated from Harrison High School, 1996. He attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Arkansas State University in Jonesboro; and was a graduate of the University of Tasmania, (Hobart,Tasmania) with a B.S. in computer science. He worked as a senior technical consultant for The Learning Edge International (Equella).
Brad was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William Bruce and Eunice Pauline Harris and his maternal great-grandparents, Allen and Marie Williams.
He is survived by his wife, Christal Harris and his two children Jackson (4) and Maggie (20 months) and his parents, Joy and John Prater of Harrison and Bob and Vicki Harris of Pine Bluf. He is also survived by his brothers and their spouses, Matt and Sharon Harris of Springdale and Allen and Angela Harris of Tulsa, Okla. and his nieces and nephews, Hannah, Hayes, Makenna, Kamryn, Ashlyn, and Christopher Harris.
Brad, nicknamed “The Swede” in high school, lettered for the Harrison Goblins in three sports: football, basketball and track. He was senior class president, all-district football, Outstanding Athlete his senior year, was awarded the Jake Jacobson award for football, and voted Mr. HHS by his classmates.
Brad met Christal Harding while attending ASU, and moved to Australia and became a dual citizen. After travelling all over Australia, they married and lived for a short period in Brisbane. They later moved to Hobart, Tasmania which became a very special place for Brad.
A peaceful soul, a forgiving person, Brad was known for his laid-back demeanor and thoughtful words. Brad cherished the relationships with his friends and family more than anything else. Those who came to know Brad usually came to love him as well.
Honest, quiet, thoughtful, selfless, Brad will be missed, but his memory will live on especially through his children Jackson and Maggie.
Brad’s last request was a final trip with his brothers to leave his remains in Tasmania.
Funeral service is at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at St John's Episcopal Church, Harrison. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at the church Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the ALS Family Foundation, 11727 Amber Circle, Bentonville, AR 72712; or Hospice of the Hills, 501 East Sherman, Harrison, AR 72601.
