Vester Gene "Sonny" Harris
March 29, 1932-September 10, 2025
Vester Gene "Sonny" Harris of Elmore City, Oklahoma was born to Thomas David "Buster" Harris and Zina Nova (Barnett) Harris on March 29, 1932, in Elmore City, Oklahoma and passed from this life on September 10, 2025, at his home in Elmore City at the age of 93 years.
Sonny grew up in the Elmore City area and helped on the family farm where his father raised team mules and ranched cattle. During his late adolescent years, he also worked on the Sparks Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma where he perfected his horsemanship skills. On January 23, 1954, Sonny married his sweetheart, Opal Marie Tillery in Elmore City, Oklahoma, where they shared 71 years together and raised 3 daughters.
Sonny had a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry. He worked as a driller in the oil patches scattered throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas. He later retired from Shebester-Bechtel Well Servicing Company after 30 years of employment.
Sonny worked hard and played hard. He loved nothing better than entering a "Senior Team Roping Competition". He won many jackpots and belt buckles for his skill in heeling steers. He trained many horses over the years, but he had a particular soft spot for his steer roping horse, Blue and his calf roping horse, Rusty. He also enjoyed coon hunting and watching classic westerns and the Oklahoma Sooners play football.
Without a doubt his favorite title was "Papa." There was never a man that loved his kids and great grandkids more!
As a member of the Satterwhite Missionary Baptist Church, he loved tapping his foot to upbeat hymnals, especially his favorite "I'll meet you in the morning."
Mr. Harris is survived by:
Wife: Opal Harris of the home
Daughters: Vicky Shelton, of Elmore City; Sherri Harris of Elmore City; and Amy Gwilt, and husband Mick of Highland, California
Granddaughter: Lacey Helvey and husband Clay of Elmore City
Grandsons: Dustin Harris of Wynnewood, Oklahoma and Carson Gwilt of Highland, California
Great-Grandchildren: Ryley Mathis, Shayley Mathis, Averi Harris, Mac Helvey, and Cheyenne Helvey
Sisters: Tawana Pink, Warren, Michigan; Patsy Harris, Warren, Michigan; Linda Small, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Sharon Mackelvie, Canyon Country, California; and Connie Whisler, and husband Larry of League City, Texas
Along with a host of family and friends
Mr. Harris was preceded in death by:
His parents
Brothers: Tom Harris and Roger Harris
Sisters: Jane Cassell, Nova Frizell, Louella Byrum, Kathy Rhue, and Barbara Luster
Son in Law: Kenny Shelton
Grandson: Ty Shelton
Services for Sonny will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Elmore City, Oklahoma with Charlie Henthorn and Roger Sims officiating. Visitation for Sonny will be on Monday, September 15, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you would like to send your condolences to the family you may do so at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com