Joseph "Fatman" William Harris was called to eternal rest on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at his home in Oxon Hill, MD, after battling with an aneurysm that paralyzed his whole body. God saw fit that he wasn't ready for Joseph and extended his life several more months to a point where Joseph was able to walk, talk and return to work.

"Fatman" was born January 21, 1948 in Leonardtown, MD to Eugene Harris and Annette Ford. "Fatman received his education through the public school system. He was drafted into the Army where he specialized in artillery. After serving his country, he was employed by the United States Government located at Patuxent River Naval Air Station where he worked in communications. Several years later his career change carried him to the Pentagon where he would serve his last years.

"Fatman" enjoyed baseball, fishing, singing, playing cards and playing horseshoes, whenever he could with his relatives and friends. He was one of the Ridge Cardinals softball pitchers. He just enjoyed himself no matter where he was. Most people were unaware that Joseph attended DJ school and was well on his way to following his passion until he received a letter from Uncle Sam and the first word was "Greetings".

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; Annette Ford and Eugene Harris and one brother, Lloyd Ford, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories, son Joseph W. Harris, Jr., grandson; Joseph Thomas Harris both of Lexington Park, MD, brother; Thomas E. Chase, (Mary "Vivian") of Waldorf, MD, sisters; Maxine Giles of Upper Marlboro, MD and Ernestine Milburn of St. Inigoes, MD and a host of relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 from 8:30am to 10:00am at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, St. Inigoes, MD, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am with Father Timothy Baer officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.