John Melvin Harris, Sr. was born June 8, 1944 in the city of Ofahoma, Mississippi to the union of Bennie and Frances Harris.  He moved to the city of East St. Louis, IL with his family and graduated from Lincoln Senior High.  He later went on to attend college ultimately earning a doctorate degree in divinity.  John was married to Savannah Jackson on November 12, 1964, to this union two children were born.

In 1966 he was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost in the Church of God in Christ.  There he was ultimately called to preach and served as assistant pastor at Holy Foundation Church for 19 years.  In 1989 he was led to the Reformation Church of God in Christ to become their pastor and he served there faithfully until God called him home.  He enjoyed leading and teaching the members of the church. Pastor Harris would often support the youth of the church by attending their sporting events, dance recitals, and concerts.  He was truly a dedicated pastor that believed in supporting all members of the congregation.

John started his career as a pharmacy tech in a drug store.  While working in this capacity he showed the aptitude to do more and was able to purchase a home health care business.  He sold and delivered medical equipment throughout the metro east area all while working for a popular men's clothing store during normal working hours.  Everyone who knew him knew that he loved clothes.  He and his wife opened KL Fashions in 1992.  This store became a popular place for people to shop, but more importantly it was known as the "preacher hang out spot."  They successfully ran both businesses before ultimately deciding to slow down. John's "slow down" was taking a job at the Missouri Botanical Garden as a supervisor in facility support.  He worked as hard for the garden as he worked for himself, always telling people to take pride in their work and appreciate the blessing God has bestowed upon you.

John was well loved and greatly respected by those that knew him.  He loved his family especially his "babies", which are his grandchildren, Kathleen and Kyle Harris.  One of his proudest moments was on his last birthday when he presented Kathleen with the keys to her first car.

He often made it back to his hometown to visit family.  He loved organizing family reunions and would go out of his way to make sure everyone could attend and enjoy themselves.  Everyone knew, he was the man with the plan and in charge.

Elder Dr. John M. Harris was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement to whomever he could.  He departed this life on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories: his devoted wife Savannah Harris, two sons John, Jr. and Kevin (Tamara) Harris.  Grandchildren, Kathleen and Kyle Harris. One sister Virginia Branson, one brother Lee Roy (Daisy) Harris. Brother-in-law Joseph (Adriene) Jackson, Sister-in-law JoAnn (Jerome) Ahart, special nieces Geneva Smith, Gloria Jean Hunter, Bernice Williams, Delphya Stewart, and Tiffany (Cornell) Chatman, Goddaughter Lauren Thorpes, a host of nephews and nieces, other relatives, friends, and the entire Reformation Church Family.