Dennis James Harris

Dennis "Root" James Harris, 69, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away at his home peacefully on Thursday, December 13, 2018.

Dennis was born on July 24, 1949 in Anchorage, Kentucky (now Middletown) to the late William and Alice (Rowell) Harris. He is also preceded in death by his brother Bobby Harris.

His life begin on a horse farm during the hot and humid summer of 1949. Life was much simpler back then, and moved at a slower pace where people would eat at the supper table and have face-to-face conversations with each other. His childhood was filled with fond memories and he would develop friendships with many that would last a lifetime. His father was born in rural South Carolina and his mother was from New York City. His parents met in New York, fell in love and both loved horses. This helped influence their decision to pack up and move to Kentucky. It was on the farm where Dennis learned to wake up early in the morning and where he developed a love for animals, especially horses and dogs.

Dennis was a proud American who loved his country and served in Vietnam following high school (Eastern High School). It was in Vietnam where Dennis learned many of his colorful phases which he would continue to hone throughout his life. Following his tour in Vietnam, he moved to Florida for a few years before moving back home to Kentucky for good. He graduated from Western Kentucky and started his career. He was a fiercely loyal University of Kentucky fan and his second favorite team was whoever was playing against the Louisville Cardinals. He would often attend or host parties with his friends and he was the first to arrive and the first to leave. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching the news and talking politics with friends over coffee or lunch. His favorite bourbon was Makers Mark 46 and he also developed a taste for red wine.

Dennis was a special and unique individual who had many dear friends and family members. These people gave him purpose and he was always willing to be a good friend and family member to those in need. He would often socialize with friends at Starbucks and enjoyed eating out daily for breakfast and quickly became a regular at a few of his favorite spots. He had a group of friends who would meet for lunch to laugh over jokes. He also loved his son and 2 granddaughters. He owned a t-shirt that said, "I have a beautiful granddaughter. I also have a gun, a shovel and an alibi."

Dennis is survived by his son, McCoy Harris, sister, Barbara Suzan (Larry), granddaughters Raegan and Kaitlyn Harris, nieces Kenya, Araya, and Jewellea, nephew James and sister-in-laws Susan Daily and Elona Harris.

The family requests that contributions in Dennis's memory be made to the Kentucky Humane Society.

Finally, in lieu of a service, the family will plan a celebration of life for Dennis in the not too distant future and will get the word out.

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