Joe Leonard Harkless, 72, of Dallas, TX, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023 after a long battle with dementia and other medical issues.
Joe was born on September 25, 1950 to Limous Harkless and Lillie Bell Murphrey Harkless in Longview, TX. After attending Franklin D. Roosevelt High school in 1969.
Joe enlisted in the United States Army on June 14, 1970 where he worked as a Radio Operator. After being discharged on February 16, 1972 he worked at the VA and later at Frito Lay and McShan Florist.
Joe enjoyed being outside, listening to music. In the neighborhood and later at the nursing facility he was known as the music man. He enjoyed making people laugh and giving them a new name. When Joe was able he would ride the bus in his wheelchair to attend church at Good Hope Baptist Church.
Joe is survived by two daughters, Cassandra Turner and LaRhonda Turner-Madkins (Terry), one son Rhudell Turner (JoLynn), along with his five grandchildren Calandra, Lonnie, Jeremiah, Ja’Mya and Jaxon; one great grandchild Aubriella; two sisters Dorothy Chappel, Patricia Calton, one sister-in-law Barbara Johnson, two brothers Roscoe Harkless and Jesse Ray Harkless; host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by two brothers MarGene Mumphrey and James Johnson; two sisters Gloria Smith and Mary Lee Harkless.
