Joe Harris “Papa Joe”

It is with great sadness that the family of Joe Harris “Papa Joe” announces his passing on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at the age of 81 years old. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Nadean Harris, who was the love of his life. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his children, Kim (Neal), Cindy (Darrel), and Joey (Kerri). Joe will also be fondly remembered by his 12 grandchildren, Coartney (Nick), Nicole (Chad), Robby (Elizabeth), Chase (Laura), Drew, Brandi (Ben), Gage, Drey, Avery, Adelle, Kayla, Addison, and 11 great grandchildren, Lexi, McKayla, Daniel, Hannah, Alice, Brigham, William, Merida, Evelyn, Millie and Henry.

Born on December 27, 1938 in Casa Grande, Arizona to Willie Lee and Roy Charles Harris, Joe had one brother, Roy, and one sister, Virginia. His family moved to Greenfield, California to look for work in the farming community and there he graduated from elementary school and completed most of his high school education. Joe moved back to Casa Grande in 1956 at met a young Nadean Holladay at a high school party on Casa Grande mountain. His friends begged him to talk to Nadean who had been following him around all night, so he did. With all the confidence in the world, he walked up to her he said, “Howdy good looking, you look good enough to marry.” And marry they did, 3 years later on October 28, 1959.

Joe was a long-time resident and business owner of Chandler and made his living fabricating and installing air conditioning systems for nearly 40 years in the valley with his sons-in-law, Darrel and Neal. Those who knew Joe best, knew that he loved his dogs, his friends and family, his westerns, and making others laugh with a quick one-liner. Joe will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services for Joe Harris will be held at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 E. Chandler Heights rd., Chandler) on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 10am. A small gathering of friends and family will follow the services at Joe’s home in Chandler.