Harry Dresser

Harry Dresser, of Bristol, Tennessee, died on July 24, 2017. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in Los Angeles, California, and lived in Kansas, New Jersey, and Florida, before he settled in East Tennessee in 1977. A graduate of UCLA and the University of Kansas, Harry was a physical therapist, proud of his work with disabled children and geriatric rehab. In 2016, he finally witnessed his beloved Cubs win the World Series. He is survived by his wife, Ava; two children, Zach and Rebekah; two grandchildren, Ava Grace and Rowen; two siblings, Howard Dresser and Paula Kennedy; and several nieces and nephews. Harry devoted his life to those he loved. He spent his evenings watching his young children play in the back yard and later watched their academic success with pride. He shared his love of music and movies, from Neil Young to Young Frankenstein, and encouraged his children to think for themselves. Ava Grace brought joy to his final years, as his companion in learning, playing with dinos, and, in her words, "crazy stuff." Rowen's laughter always brought a smile to Harry's face. He said that Ava was his "greatest treasure." Their 35 years together affirmed the poem in their wedding bulletin: "We may only be two,/ But that makes us/ Stronger than one,/ And with God's help/ Gives us the Capability/ Of Armadas." Harry requested no formal memorial services. Donations in his honor may be made to the Haven of Rest. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Dresser family.