Harry James Dupree

Obituary

Harry James Dupree made his world debut on April 1, 1945. He was the third of four children born to Sylvester Dupree Sr. and Bernice Dupree. He was raised in a loving Christian family where he received Christ and was baptized at an early age. He attended First Baptist Church North Indianapolis where he was a faithful member for almost 50 years.

He attended IPS #10 and #4 and later attended Shortridge High school, where he took an interest in art and broadcasting. After graduating from Shortridge High school in 1963, Harry attend John Herron School of Art and became an accomplished artist. Harry then began working at American United Life Insurance Company. His employment was interrupted due to being drafted into the United States Army. Harry was deployed to Vietnam where he fought from 1966-1967, earning the prestigious Purple Heart award for his heroic efforts. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Harry returned to Indianapolis where he resumed working for AUL.

Throughout his life, Harry’s interests were diverse. He was a student at Career Academy Broadcasting where he studied radio and television broadcasting in the early seventies. He also performed in the theatrical group Soul People Repertory. Harry was a talented artist and loved listening to music, singing, sports, traveling, metropolitan development, and socializing in his free time.

Harry retired from AUL in 2011, after 47 years of employment. In addition to the AUL, Harry also faithfully served the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Indianapolis for over 24 years. Harry was an active member of Zion Hope Baptist Church for many years where he loved singing in the choir and serving in other auxiliaries.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Sylvester Dupree Jr. In 2003 Harry met his wife Doris Simmons through mutual friends Harold and Sharon Jiles. They fell in love and were married at Zion Hope Baptist Church in 2006. Harry leaves behind his loving wife Doris, two sons (Brandon and Robert), one daughter (Shannon), one brother (Dale) one sister (Joyce), six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Harry never met a stranger and leaves behind many friends and co-workers.