Darrell “Pee Wee” Harris

Darrell “Pee Wee” Harris, 77, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 7:29 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., with his family by his side.

Pee Wee was born Aug. 23, 1945, in Hannibal, Mo., to Marion and Goldie Elizabeth Crane Harris. He was married to Yvonne Miller on Feb. 17, 1979 in Palmyra. She survives.

Other survivors include his children, Tracy Sawyer (Brad), Mustang, Okla.; Darrell Ray “Buddy” Harris Jr. (Julia), Norman, Okla.; Stephani Sims (Doug), Hannibal; Renee White, Olathe, Kan.; Dana Fromong (Andy), Davenport, Iowa; Jay Fleck (Karlie), Florida; his loyal dog and best friend, Toby; sisters, Shirley Kolthoff, Palmyra; Wanda Story (Eddie), Ewing, Mo.; and Linda Clow (Phillip), Palmyra; 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pee Wee was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Roy Dale Harris; and many close friends.

Pee Wee enjoyed the outdoors. Camping, fishing and boating on the Mississippi River with friends and family were some of his favorite times. He loved hanging out with old friends at deer camp. Everyone at camp loved his famous biscuits and gravy.  

His garage was a hangout for all of his family, friends, and neighbors. Many great times were had in that garage. He took great pride in everything he had and everything he did. His garage was always spotless, and in recent years, he developed an amazing talent for woodworking. 

He was a perfectionist. Everything he did had to be perfect. From his lawn to his woodworking. 

He loved watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. and attended many races. All of the neighborhood kids would seek him out for a popsicle treat on a summer day. He was a master griller, especially his pork steaks. He could be ornery and had a dry, sarcastic sense of humor which all of us who knew and loved him will so terribly miss. 

Darrell “Pee Wee” was well known for his involvement in the Missouri State Jaycees where he served as senator and was a key member in starting the Palmyra Pageant.

Most of all he loved his kids, wife, and his favorite dog, Toby.

Darrell “Pee Wee” was Christian by faith.

Friends and family are invited to the life celebration of Pee Wee at a visitation that will be Saturday, Jan. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.

Memorials may be made to Down Syndrome Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.