Ernest Dale "Sonny" Harris

Ernest Dale “Sonny” Harris, of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Sheridan, Arkansas, passed away peacefully, on Saturday April 11, 2026 at the age of 90. He was born on November 12th, 1935 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Clinton Wesley “Clint” Harris and Davie Lites Harris. Sonny lived life to its fullest, meeting each day with enthusiasm and making the most of every moment.

Sonny proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958 and continued his commitment afterward in the United States Navy Reserve. After completing his military service, Sonny began his career with Central Maloney, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he devoted over 30 years to the company, retiring in 2000. He was also a long-time member of the Sahara Shrine Temple.

Sonny was currently a member of First Baptist Church of Pensacola but served for over 10 years as a faithful member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, Arkansas.

He was known for his infectious smile, boisterous laugh, and genuinely kind heart. His playful sense of humor was one of his defining traits- If Sonny wasn’t joking with you, you knew something was not quite right. It has been said that you never saw Sonny without Sarah, or Sarah without Sonny, a true reflection of the deep bond they shared. They were proudly married for 58 wonderful years and enjoyed a life filled with love, laughter and cherished memories together.

Sonny’s greatest joy in life was his family, and nothing brought him more happiness that his children and grandchildren. He treasured every opportunity to be involved in their lives – whether cheering them on softball or baseball games and tournaments, lending his time and talents to building sets for the Pine Bluff A Cappella Choir musical Follies, or simply enjoying precious moments together. Sonny and Sarah never missed a chance to celebrate life’s special occasions with their grandchildren, faithfully making every Christmas and birthday a priority, whether the journey took them to Colorado or Pensacola.

Sonny is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Hodges Harris and niece Rebecca Woods Thomasson. He is survived by his son, Brad Harris (Nita) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Stacey Harris Balka (Matt) of Pensacola, Florida; grandson, Aidan Wesley Harris; granddaughters, Lucy Grace Balka, Maggie Rose Balka; niece, Cindy Woods Henderson; sister-in-law, Sue Hodges Woods as well as, many great nephews, great nieces and family by choice.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home chapel in Sheridan, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Brother Terry Williams and Brother Brent Williams. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Sheridan, P.O. Box 34, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.

Pallbearers: Tony Clay, Wyatt Clay, Caleb Clay, Juan Caple, Colton Caple, and Bobby Ashcraft.