The family of MSGT Vester Harris Jr. has requested the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders to honor this American Hero; it will be our honor to do so.
Vester Harris Jr. was born June 18th 1930, in Wedowee, Alabama, to Ruth Tucker and Vester Harris, Sr. He was the oldest of 9 children, he passed on to be with his Lord on June 29, 2018.
Vester graduated from Wedowee high school in 1947 and began studying at Alabama A&M. He met and married his beloved wife Florine Allen in 1952.
Soon after he began his 26 year career in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of MSGT. He served his country in the Asian Pacific realm, Europe, and many bases in the United States during both the Korea and Vietnam Eras. He retired with an honorable discharge in 1978, and started his 2nd career at the VA hospital in supply for 20 years. He received many awards and accommodations for his service both in the military and the VA. Vester was also a member in good standing of the Brethren of Montgomery’s Pride of Free and Accepted Masons since 1968.
After moving to Riverside, the family joined Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where he proudly served as Treasurer, Deacon and sang in the Men’s chorus until his health prevented him. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting the sick and shut in, bringing them monthly communion, and attending the weekly deacon’s breakfast.
Vester loved to tell stories of his many adventures and travels. At family gatherings and to anyone who would listen, he would share his stories, his love for his church, or his travels. He had an amazing ability to barter for goods and services. He was the original couponer and recycler before it became popular. He was an avid coin collector, gardener and fisherman. He could tell you about any plant in Riverside and how to make it flourish. He loved to travel and could tell you exactly how to get to just about anywhere in the United States if he had been there.
Vester would transport veterans to the VA hospital and help them get their full benefits. He would always help his neighbors and friends with anything from auto repair to home improvement. He was a strong advocate for what is right. He always had time to play with his grandchildren or offer life advice.
Vester leaves to mourn and cherish his memories, his devoted wife of 64 years, Florine, his sons, Russell (Rebecca), Victor, and his daughter, Linda (Mark), predeceased by son Vernon, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to RNC, we will meet you there.
The weather is predicted to be hot so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat; it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.Time Table for Monday 09 July 2018:1200 – Stage at Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1910 Martin Luther King Blvd, Riverside, CA 92517 (Please arrive quietly , as church service will still be in progress)
https://goo.gl/maps/W1PaA9QsvDM21230 – Mission Briefing
1300 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to awaiting vehicle.
1315 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area TBD for family, north of Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1345 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
RC: Dennis “Navrick” Navarre
SoCalPGR Ride Captain909-262-5545
dennis.navarre@gmail.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
