Herbert Carlisle Harris III, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27,2026 at his home in Cherokee, AL.
Herbert was born on March 24, 1938, in Cherokee, AL. to Herbert C. Harris Jr. and Elizabeth (Betsy) Jacoway Harris. Herbert spent his early years in Cherokee attending school there through junior high school. He completed his secondary education at Coffee High School in Florence, AL. One of his prized memories of Coffee was being the editor of the Stimulator, the school newspaper. After graduating in 1956, he began his college career at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA. He later transferred to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa to complete his degree in finance. While at the University, he was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Herbert was also an ROTC graduate of the University and received his commission as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was assigned to the Quartermaster Branch at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA.
Upon completion of his military service, Herbert chose to do some traveling prior to beginning his professional career. It was on one of his trips that Herbert received a call from his mother that his father was ill and needed some help on the family farm. Herbert returned to the farm in Cherokee to help his father. Under the guidance of his father and several farm employees, Herbert learned the management of the land, the crops, and the cattle. He chose to forego his career in finance, and work alongside his mother and father on the farm. Herbert was always striving to learn all he could about farming. One opportunity he pursued was the Rotary International professional exchange through its Group Study Exchange (GSE) program, a cultural and vocational exchange for businesspeople and professionals in the early stages of their careers. This program facilitates teams to travel and experience another country’s culture and observe how their professions are practiced, fostering international understanding and goodwill. Herbert was chosen to participate in this program in Australia. This program had a profound impact on his future in farming. After Herbert retired from actively farming, he spent several years working for the Florence Lumber Company. Once he completely retired, he had the opportunity to pursue two of his favorite things, reading and traveling.
Three generations of Harris men have looked after the land that they dearly loved. In 2017, Harris Farms was recognized as a Century Farm by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. A Century Farm is one that has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has some agricultural activities on the farm. The farm must possess interesting and important historical and agricultural aspects, including one or more structures at least forty years old.
Herbert is survived by three sisters: Jane Harris Pride (Goodloe); Rosemary Harris Brown; and Rebecca Harris Murphy (Patrick). In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and longtime friend, Jarrett Browning.
He is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Rose McGarry Jacoway and his parents, Herbert and Betsy Harris.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Murphy, Patrick Murphy Jr., Mark Murphy, Ben Murphy, Harris Murphy, Goodloe Pride Jr., Goodloe Pride III, Goodloe Pride IV and Robert Pride.
A special thank you to Tammie Mauldin, a devoted caregiver and the Alabama Hospice of the Shoals.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Harris Chapel Baptist Church, North Pike, Cherokee, AL. with the Reverend Jake Andrews of Saint Bartholemew Episcopal Church, Florence, AL. officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: Saint Bartholemew Episcopal Church, the Florence Public Library or a charity of your choice.
Please visit morrisonfuneralhomes.com to leave condolences for the family.
