Isham "Ike" Harris

Isham “Ike” Harris, passed on Wednesday, March 30, at the age of 70 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He  was preceded in death by his parents, Isham A. Harris, Jr and Ruth Eleanor (Poole) and sister, Judy Harris Caples. Ike was a 50 year AFM Life member who joined Local 257 on May 5, 1971. A Tennessee native, Ike was an excellent bassist, tuba player, and educator who graduated from Austin Peay University, and taught at his alma mater, as well as Belmont, David Lipscomb, and MTSU. He played at the Opryland theme park, on the General Jackson, and worked with many artists over the years, including Danny Davis, Boots Randolph, Crystal Gayle, Chet Atkins, and various jazz and orchestral ensembles.

He mentored many young musicians and he was a very tasteful player who never got in the way or drew attention to himself. Ike was a fine gentleman as well as a great musician, and was respected and admired by all those who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mina, son Brad Harris and daughter Stephanie Harris Daniel (Trent), and one grandchild, Violet Grace Daniel.

There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 222 Belle Meade Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee 37205. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association.

Upon his passing, Ike donated his brain to the Neuropathology Department at Vanderbilt, and he and his family’s hope is that this gift will help physicians and scientists learn what causes Alzheimer's and the progression of the disease. We all can be united in the hope that this terrible disease, which has affected so many of us, can be eradicated once and for all someday.

Nashville Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with handling Mr. Harris' arrangements. Please visit his tribute page to leave a thoughtful note for the family.