Benjamin Joseph Harris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 6:46 a.m., at the age of 77.
Born on March 31, 1948, in Orlando, Florida, to Homer and Mildred Harris, Benjamin lived a life defined by faith, service, and dedication. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and later transitioned to the United States Army Reserve, where he proudly represented our nation with honor and integrity on multiple deployments around the world. His patriotism and commitment to duty were evident throughout his military service.
At a young age, Benjamin served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in El Salvador and Guatemala, where he developed a deep love for the Latino people. Fluent in Spanish, he used his language skills for the rest of his life to serve others, offering kindness, assistance, and fellowship to those in need. His devotion to his faith was unwavering. He served in numerous callings within the Church and lived as a true disciple of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He held a firm testimony of the gospel of the restoration.
In addition to his military and church service, Benjamin also served his community through the Civil Air Patrol, where he mentored young cadets in character development and emergency services. He was also actively involved in emergency communications, serving with RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service), ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), and ARPSC (Amateur Radio Public Service Corps), using his skills and time to support disaster response and community readiness.
Benjamin is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ellen Harris; his two sisters, Linda O’Connor and Joy Harris; his son, David Harris, and daughter-in-law Shirlene Harris and their five children; and his son-in-law, Josh Wright, and his three children. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Wright.
To all who knew him, Benjamin was a man of deep conviction, quiet strength, and selfless love. His final words of counsel to family and friends reflected his life’s mission: “Gain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
His life was a testimony of faith in action. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rapid City, SD. Burial with military honors will follow at Black Hills National cemetery.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.