Contributions to the tribute of Neil J. Harris

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Mike Lindley posted a condolence

Sunday, September 22, 2024

I was a long time friend of Neil. We met in summer of 1985. We were Drinking buddies for the first couple of years then Neil got sober and it was he who showed me where I could one find recovery in A A. Over the the 30 years we knew each other he became one of my closest friends we were roommates for a couple of years also. We even had a fistfight early in our friendship due to Drunken stupidity on both of our parts we had went downstairs from his upstairs Apt. And began fighting and Neil had grabbed me by both sides of my shirt and started Slamming me into the brick wall twice then shifted me and slammed me into the door of his downstairs Neighbors I had grabbed his shirt in the same fashion and when he hit my body into the door the door gave way busting the door jamm off and it flung open and we both first me then Neil as we had each other by the shirt went flying into the Apt landing on the floor me on bottom Neil on top while the couple who lived there were on the couch watching one of those Chinese Kung-fu movies Neil quickly tells them " Sorry Excuse us" we then both got up and walked back outside and finished the fight and the Downstairs Neighbors thought we were surely Crazy.....once we were tired of fighting we immediately apologized to each other and returned to his Apt Friends again and finished the rest of the night partying and Laughing about the fight. Neil got sober a few months later even though I didn't for a long time he stayed my friend and we always got a kick and a good laugh telling people our fight story.despite his somewhat rough and Wreckless lifestyle in his Early years as a adult he was always a good man who strived to be a man of Good integrity and did his best to follow God and always worked hard to live by the Morals of Christianity he Had learned from his Grandfather who he told me was a minister in his childhood. Neil Talked about his Granddad often and many times when he struggled to Know the right thing to do he would immediately consider How his Grandfather would handle the same sort of situation. I never personally knew of him to Steal during our friendship And he Seen a man striking women as a Definite WRONG.I remember one night a lady who was pregnant had fled into the building where me and Neil were sitting and chatting because she was being chased by her Boyfriend who had already put a bruise as well as a black Eye on her and Neil didn't hesitate to intervene and block the Guys path between Him and his Girlfriend.Neil didn't strike the man but he did grabb and had him against the wall warning him not to hit her anymore and told the guy how he felt about a man striking a lady with child i thought I wasn't going to be able to pull Neil off the kid if he lost it but he did maintain and released the kid told him to leave and the guy did The girl was broke and had no way to go back home in Brownwood TX where her family was so Neil used his own money and transportation to get her back home to her family and asked for nothing in return......I know this has been a long entry but as someone who witnessed the absolutely Amazing transformation Neil Made from Gutter Drunk to one of the most integrity Bound and Decent man i knew, I felt he Deserves the recognition for Such Effort to become one of the best men i knew.

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Lawrence Korus posted a condolence

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Well I knew and met Neil through a 12-step program. He was well liked and was a blessing to many. He sold me his old Airstream travel trailer years ago and that gesture, changed the course of my life for the better. I still own it and full-time in it. Many good political and spiritual conversations with him. Looking forward to the Day we meet again at the gathering of the white stallions. Thankful for a fellow warrior in the good fight of faith. To all the Harris family...God's eternal comfort. Lawrence K Weatherford, TX

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John O'Loughlin posted a condolence

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Vicky, your brother Neil was well respected and much loved among his many friends here in Irving, Texas, and his passing has generated reflection on the impact he's had on the lives he's touched.... Neil was an excellent public speaker and his insights into complex issues and ability to speak from the heart and share his feelings helped redirect the lives of those who related to what he had to say. Speaking for myself, I clearly remember a number of conversations I've had with Neil over the years, and his outlook on life was fundamentally positive and life-affirming. Your brother spent much of his life devoted to helping those less fortunate than himself, and there are those who are alive today and those who thrive today because of Neil and his dedication to the causes he believed in. He remains with us all in spirit and in memory, and will never be forgotten by those who came to know him in life. Kindest Regards and Condolences to you and your Family....

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Dave Colantonio posted a condolence

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Dear Vicky , We are so sorry about your brother Neil. He was so fortunate to have such a caring sister. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family, Dave and Ron Colantonio

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Sarah Lee lit a candle

Thursday, February 9, 2017

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Rebecca Thorington posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

I have such sweet memories of Neil and all the cousins. I know i will see him again though... and what a reunion that will be. Love to you all, my dear family. Prayers for Shalom.

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Sarah Lee posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

The picture in the heading is perfect..."I'm as free as a bird now...." -(Lynyrd Skynerd) I'll see you on the bright side, Neil.

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Veronica Frost posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Vicky, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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The family of Neil J. Harris uploaded a photo

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Neil J. Harris

Saturday, February 4, 2017

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