Seeking Susie

Texarkana Gazette, Sunday, June 22, 2008
OSCAR HARRIS

Oscar Erby Harris, 63, of Texarkana, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, in a North Little Rock hospital. Erby was born on Feb. 21, 1945, in Texarkana. A renowned entrepreneur, he had many business adventures in his lifetime. The most well-known of his endeavors was the establishment in 1998 of Pop's Place, a popular Texarkana eatery that continues to draw those who enjoy good food and camaraderie.

After his graduation from Arkansas High School in 1963, Erby joined the Arkansas Army National Guard where he learned to fly helicopters. Over his 26 years of military service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and 53 Air Medal. He flew over 1,000 combat hours and retired from service with the rank of CW4.

Erby found the love of his life and married Mary Tate on Oct. 7, 1964. He and Mary moved to North Little Rock where they raised their two children.

In the mid-1970s, Erby was a Detective with the Miller County Sheriff's Department. He also worked with his father in Harris Equipment Company from the mid-1960s until 1982.

With his innate love of flying and his experience in piloting helicopters, Erby became a helicopter instructor pilot, a job in which he remained from 1985 until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Association, The American Legion and the V.F.W.

After Erby and Mary moved from North Little Rock back to Texarkana, Erby, who loved to cook, wanted a small place where he could entertain their friends and prepare his specialties for them. Cooking for a few friends turned into a full-fledged business and Pop's Place became the place to be. He enlisted the help of Mary, and daughter, Kathy to serve up his culinary offerings. Erby's personality drew many people into the circle of friendship. He was one of those few mortals that are larger that life and he is sorely missed.

Erby is survived by his wife Mary; a son, Army National Guard Sgt. William "Bill" E. Harris, now serving in Iraq, and Bill's wife, Heather of Sherwood; a daughter, Kathy Harris McMillian, and husband, Eric, of Texarkana; beloved grandchildren, Peyton, Cody and Loren, of Sherwood; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Peggy Tate, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; one sister, Nedra Turney and husband, Jerry of Texarkana; one uncle, James Harris, of Texarkana; two aunts, Faye Nell McJunkins and Melba McJunkins, both of Texarkana; a number of nieces and nephews; and a veritable host of friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 23, at 2 p.m. in East Memorial Gardens in Texarkana with Rev. Wallace Edgar officiating.

Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of Texakana Funeral Home, Arkansas.

Family visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Pop's Place, Hwy. 67, in Texarkana.