Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Marion Harris, a veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Jasper, passed away on January 3, 2022 surrounded by his family. "Wormy" as he was known to many in the U.S. Army was born October 12, 1947 to Dolphard and Kate Harris. He studied agricultural science at The University of Georgia before he enlisted in the U.S. Army. As a Chief Warrant Officer 4 Pilot, Marion saw action in at least 10 countries across Europe and Asia. He and his family had a special opportunity to live in Germany during his time there. Marion was recognized by the U.S. Army for many awards. He was most proud of his Distinguished Flying Cross for Bravery, the 4th highest honor, specifically for his heroic action on Christmas Day in 1969. On that day, he flew a Bell UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" helicopter to rescue trapped U.S. soldiers who were surrounded by the Viet Cong. In addition to serving 39 years in the U.S. Army, Marion served 34 years as a pilot in the National Park Service. After retiring from both the Army and the National Park Service, Marion became the Pickens County Airport Manager and beloved member of "The Front Porch Gang" where he made some of his best friends in Jasper. Retirement wasn't part of Marion's vocabulary and during his time at the airport and for several years after, Marion was the Airspace Coordinator for the USDA Forest Service. Marion helped block off air space to allow planes to fight off the terrible wildfires for many seasons out West. He was recognized with the United States Forest Service Airward for exceptional performance during this time. Marion was preceded in his death by his father, Dolphard Harris, and his mother, Kate (Kay) Harris. He is survived by his wife, Page Harris; his daughers, Rachael Harris, Samantha Chodavarapu, Regan Medzhibzher; his sons, Nathan Harris and Neil Harris; 8 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition, there are 3 surviving siblings, Neill D. Harris, Lynette McElroy, and Karen Hunter. His family has organized a visitation at Roper Funeral Home on Wednesday January 5th, 2022 from 6 pm until 8 pm. The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022 in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home. A military memorial burial service will be held on Friday January 21st at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton at 11:00 a.m. (The motorcade will leave Roper Funeral Home at 10 am.) The family requests in lieu of flowers, make memorial donations to Wounded Warrior Project.