Billy Joe Harris, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, entered his eternal home on January 28, 2022, after a week-long, fierce battle against pneumonia. He was born and raised in Pennington Gap, Virginia and relocated to Indianapolis in the '60s. He was a beloved and respected business owner in his community since 1971, when he began Auto Diagnosis. Cars were one of his passions and when he wasn't working on carburetors, he loved restoring classics, some of which were entered in national shows. His love of hunting and fishing was evident and he enjoyed many trips to small watering holes, or tournaments on the great lakes fishing for walleye and salmon with his best friends, who were more like brothers. An avid gun owner, he transitioned into firearms sales over 30 years ago and most recently started B&H Firearms in 1990, where he still worked six days a week. The friendships he made there were deeply special to him and his love and respect for those in uniform was unwavering. He was a dog lover and although he had many, those who knew him at the shop will remember Sheba, his German shepherd and FIERCE protector. He was a cherished man who will be profoundly missed by many, but is now resting in peace. He is preceded in death by parents, Gordon & Laura Harris (Ramey); wife, Dorothy Harris (Sutton); siblings, Charles Harris, Patsy York, Susie Balay, Jackie Harris, Marsha Baumann; step-children, Richard Tesso, Debby Tesso, Leander Blanton. He is survived by daughter, Marsha Harris; son, Robert Harris (Tammy); siblings, Sharlot Durrett, Doris Harris, Judy Churchward (Dave), Gary Harris (Barbara), Darlene Carroll; grandson, Avery Cook; step-children, Teresa Tesso, Earlena Blanton; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Billy will take place on Saturday, February 5th at 12:30 pm at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services (6557 N Clinton St) with calling from 9:30 until service time. Entombment will be at Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred Memorials in Billy's honor may be directed to Guns"N"Hoses Gunsnhosesfw.org, SAVE Savedbyswat.com or Humane Fort Wayne.