January 21, 2024
Life Member Since 1994, Designed Original USNPAAA Logo
The Passing of CAPT Brayton Harris, USN (Ret)
Dear Association Members,
I am very saddened to report the recent passing of CAPT Brayton Harris, USN (Ret). What follows is the obituary submitted by his family. Funeral arrangements at Arlington National Cemetery are pending but I will send out details when available.
Captain Harris was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on April 25, 1932, to Ethel and Walter Harris and died December 23, 2023, in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
He lived a full and adventurous life! After high school, he joined the National Guard and was active while attending the University of Illinois where he enrolled in the Navy ROTC program.
After receiving his commission as an Ensign in 1953, he reported to his first duty station aboard a naval destroyer in the Pacific Theater for service in the Korean War.
It wasn’t until 1964, after many deployments he decided to change his career path from Surface Warfare Officer to Public Affairs. As he put it best, it was after seeing his son, Walter Kirkpatrick Harris crawling around on the ground that he wanted to be closer to home! A few years later, he had a daughter Jennifer Shelton Harris that kept him grounded!
During his early years in the Navy, on the side he operated the Troubadour Press, designing and printing greeting cards! His artistic side was always notable.
He was an accomplished author as well, having published more than ten books and hundreds of articles pertaining to US Naval history and the Civil War. Everything he touched became a success story!
Prior to his transfer back to the Washington, DC area, he was the Public Affairs Officer for the Naval District New York. Many of the other personnel in the office always looked at him a bit strangely, he had a full beard! Turned out to his benefit as he later was on the TV Show “To Tell the Truth”. Yes, he finally shaved it when he arrived at the Pentagon.
Some of his proudest moments were working on the 1976 Bicentennial with Navy Secretary William J. Middendorf. He proudly displayed the Navy seal that was presented to him for his efforts while serving on the SECNAV staff at the Pentagon.
After retiring from active service in 1979 as a senior Captain, he thought he was going to grow his hair long (and beard again) and watch movies. As fate would have it, he accepted a Presidential Appointment to be the Assistant Director of the Selective Service System and a new career was launched.
Captain Harris was always proud to serve when the call came. After the Gulf War in the 1990’s, once again he was called into service as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy for Gulf War Illness.
With all his service to this nation, he was after all a family man. He was extremely proud of his children and what they have become. His eldest, Walter Kirkpatrick continued his legacy of service to this nation. Serving in the United States Marine Corps (this had some issues with his Naval colleagues) and later served as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. His daughter Jennifer Shelton became and accomplished therapist striving to help others.
Captain Harris is survived by his wife of 37 years, Captain Kathleen Kelley (NC), USNR (Ret), his two children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending but family plans include services at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.
Sincerely,
Dick Thompson
USNPAA Membership
More Notes
Life Member Since 1994, Designed Original USNPAAA Logo
The Passing of CAPT Brayton Harris, USN (Ret)
Dear Association Members,
I am very saddened to report the recent passing of CAPT Brayton Harris, USN (Ret). What follows is the obituary submitted by his family. Funeral arrangements at Arlington National Cemetery are pending but I will send out details when available.
Captain Harris was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on April 25, 1932, to Ethel and Walter Harris and died December 23, 2023, in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.
He lived a full and adventurous life! After high school, he joined the National Guard and was active while attending the University of Illinois where he enrolled in the Navy ROTC program.
After receiving his commission as an Ensign in 1953, he reported to his first duty station aboard a naval destroyer in the Pacific Theater for service in the Korean War.
It wasn’t until 1964, after many deployments he decided to change his career path from Surface Warfare Officer to Public Affairs. As he put it best, it was after seeing his son, Walter Kirkpatrick Harris crawling around on the ground that he wanted to be closer to home! A few years later, he had a daughter Jennifer Shelton Harris that kept him grounded!
During his early years in the Navy, on the side he operated the Troubadour Press, designing and printing greeting cards! His artistic side was always notable.
He was an accomplished author as well, having published more than ten books and hundreds of articles pertaining to US Naval history and the Civil War. Everything he touched became a success story!
Prior to his transfer back to the Washington, DC area, he was the Public Affairs Officer for the Naval District New York. Many of the other personnel in the office always looked at him a bit strangely, he had a full beard! Turned out to his benefit as he later was on the TV Show “To Tell the Truth”. Yes, he finally shaved it when he arrived at the Pentagon.
Some of his proudest moments were working on the 1976 Bicentennial with Navy Secretary William J. Middendorf. He proudly displayed the Navy seal that was presented to him for his efforts while serving on the SECNAV staff at the Pentagon.
After retiring from active service in 1979 as a senior Captain, he thought he was going to grow his hair long (and beard again) and watch movies. As fate would have it, he accepted a Presidential Appointment to be the Assistant Director of the Selective Service System and a new career was launched.
Captain Harris was always proud to serve when the call came. After the Gulf War in the 1990’s, once again he was called into service as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy for Gulf War Illness.
With all his service to this nation, he was after all a family man. He was extremely proud of his children and what they have become. His eldest, Walter Kirkpatrick continued his legacy of service to this nation. Serving in the United States Marine Corps (this had some issues with his Naval colleagues) and later served as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. His daughter Jennifer Shelton became and accomplished therapist striving to help others.
Captain Harris is survived by his wife of 37 years, Captain Kathleen Kelley (NC), USNR (Ret), his two children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending but family plans include services at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.
Sincerely,
Dick Thompson
USNPAA Membership
More Notes