Kalynn Wilson Harris

On November 30, 2023, Kalynn Wilson Harris passed away peacefully after a long battle with cardiovascular dementia.

Kalynn was born October 6, 1940, in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Katherine Rasco Wilson and George Wilson. Kalynn had two sisters, Joan Wilson Rodgers and Nancy Wilson Tullos, who rounded out her loving family.

Kalynn attended Stuttgart High School where she played basketball, was a majorette, and became the second ever Queen Mallard to preside over the World Championship Duck Calling Contest.

After high school graduation, Kalynn attended Arkansas Tech University where she was an All-AIC basketball player, a majorette, and was crowned Miss Arkansas Tech. As a sophomore, Kalynn transferred to the University of Arkansas to pursue her degree in education. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and a majorette for the U of A marching band. Shortly after graduating from college, Kalynn met her future husband and the love of her life, Richard Harris.

She and Richard married in 1963 and have four children: Richard, Jr., Nancy Ann, Heath, and Nicole. She loved her family fiercely! The Harris family home in Stuttgart was always a fun gathering place for kids and adults. Everyone was welcomed with open arms for love, camaraderie, and an excellent meal. Kalynn’s fried chicken is legendary!

After Richard retired from farming, they moved to Northwest Arkansas, where Kalynn was the Director of the Head Start program. They loved being close to Razorback activities and their grandchildren, who either lived nearby or attended U of A.

Unfortunately, the ugly disease of dementia slowly took the joy from Kalynn’s life. Her friends and family, though, will always remember the sparkle and fun she brought to everyone around her.

Kalynn was preceded in death by her parents Katherine Rasco Wilson and George Wilson, and her sister, Joan Wilson Rodgers (Johnny). She is survived by her adoring husband, Richard, her four children, Richard, Jr. (Amy), Nancy Harris Buckley (David), Heath (Nikki), and Nicole Harris Zimmerman, her sister Nancy Wilson Tullos (Bob), her grandchildren, Hunter Harris (Madyson), Grace Harris, Maci Branch (Jessica), Lizzie Branch Baker (Chase), Tucker Young, Sarah Zimmerman, and Jack Zimmerman, and one great-granddaughter, Hazel Ann Baker.

Kalynn will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony on Wednesday, December 6, in Stuttgart. The family will be hosting a celebration of life in Stuttgart at a later date.

If you are interested in making a donation in Kalynn’s memory, please do so to Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, 921 E 4th Street, Stuttgart, AR 72160 or the Grand Prairie Center, 2709 Highway 165 South, Stuttgart, AR 72160.