Ted Harris

Ted Arlen Harris, 89, passed away November 24 in his home in Nixa, Missouri after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Ted Harris was a kind and Godly man who was a faithful follower of Christ, a devoted husband, a loving Father, an outstanding performer, and a dedicated teacher. He was born to John Dwight and Dolly Irene Harris on September 4, 1930 in Muncie, Indiana. He met Carol Jean Ginn at William Jewell College where the two were an integral part of the Music Department. Ted and Carol were married on November 22, 1952, and had recently celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary. Their marriage was a testimony to their love for each other and for their Lord! It was a long and happy marriage that was blessed with six children, one grandson, and four great grandchildren. Ted's occupation was a lifetime of service to the Lord as a full-time music professor and voice teacher at Oklahoma Baptist University, Southwest Baptist University, and Missouri State University as well as Interim Music Ministry in numerous Baptist and Local Churches. Ted was an outstanding performer and vocal coach. He was equally adept at singing Opera, Broadway, or Jazz and his performance career reflected as much. Ted toured regularly with Jerome Hines of the NY Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Eliakim in I Am The Way, and also serving as Hines' understudy in the role of Christ. Among his many performances was the leading role of Emile De Becque (South Pacific), Captain Von Trapp (The Sound of Music), Gaylord Ravenal (Show Boat), Harold Hill (The Music Man) and featured soloist for many Oratorios and Symphonic Performances. In 1989, Ted gave a brilliant performance as Tevye in The Fiddler on the Roof, where he was able to share the stage with his own "Golde", Carol. Although Ted's performances were always magnetic and polished, some of his best work was accomplished in his voice studio at OBU, SBU, and MSU. It was there that Ted trained a future New York Metropolitan Opera Singer, a future Southern Gospel Standout, an Academy of Country Music best new artist nominee, and numerous future Ministers of Music and Music Educators. His dedication to his students was obvious as he helped them develop their talent. His legacy will be seen in the generations of students that took their God-given talent into the churches, schools, and onto the stages of America and the World. Ted was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Kay, his son Jeffrey Scott, and his parents John Dwight and Dolly Irene. He is survived by his wife, Carol, sister, Nancy, two sons, Greg and Mark (Lisa), two daughters, Kristine and Kathleen (Ben), one grandson, Kessler (Stephanie), and four great-grandchildren, Kasey Ann Marie, Kerrigan Porter, Kordelia Rose and Kessler Emerson, Jr. Although we know that he is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord, he is already and will continue to be greatly missed! Memorial services for Ted will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 14, 2019, at South Haven Baptist Church, 2353 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO. A private family burial will occur at some time in the future in the Maysville, MO cemetery where Ted will receive military honors for his service in the Army during the Korean War. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Southwest Baptist University Music Department or the Alzheimer's Association. Cremation was under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.