Knoxville, TN - Dr. John Stephen Harris, known to family and friends as Steve, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 78 years old.

Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Steve grew up in Hot Springs before moving to Memphis, where he graduated from Christian Brothers High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee in 1968 and his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1972. Following medical school, he served as a medical officer aboard the USS Columbus (CG-12) before completing his residency at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Steve married Mary Wasley on April 15, 1978, at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. They later made their home in Meridian, Mississippi, where he practiced as an OB/GYN at Rush Hospital and became a founding partner of Woman's Group of Meridian. After retiring in 2015, Steve and Mary moved to Knoxville, where he volunteered for many years at St. Mary's Legacy Clinic.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Preston Harris; his mother, Helen Reidling Harris; and his brother, Charles Preston Harris Jr. He is survived by his wife, Mary Harris; his children, John Harris II (Fran) and Beth Livingston (Clint); his sister, Barbara Doerr; and his beloved grandchildren, Jack Harris, Caroline Harris, Molly Harris, Ella Livingston, and Cooper Livingston.

A Funeral Mass for Dr. Harris will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville on Friday, July 31, at 10:00 a.m. EDT. All are welcome to attend the Funeral Mass. Following the Mass, a private family interment will take place in the Cathedral Columbarium. During the interment, the family warmly invites friends and guests to gather in the Shea Room for a reception and time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Legacy Clinic.

A full obituary may be viewed at www.rosefuneraltn.com.