Harrie Fox Hess was born on March 1, 1929 in Hammond, Indiana. He moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in August of 1946. Harrie married Lana D. in 1985 and had three children: Bryant, Krista, and Danielle.
Hess was enlisted in the United States Army from 1952-1955.
Hess obtained his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Nevada in 1952 and went on to obtain his master of arts degree (1957) and doctor of philosophy degree (1959) from the University of Colorado.
Hess was employed as a psychological consultant for the Nevada Test Site. Hess is also a retired professor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.