Rendol Wayne Harris passed away peacefully in his Giles County, TN home on May 18, 2023 at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Harris, of nearly 30 years and parents Rendol Desa and Ruth Harris. Survivors include daughter, Stacy Salisbury (Bill) of Pulaski, TN, son, Jarrod Harris (Lace) of Marietta, GA, brother Randy Harris (Katrina) of Acworth, GA, brother Ray Harris of Phenix City, AL, and sister, Karen McDonald, of Woodstock, GA. Grandchildren include Blake Salisbury (Emily), of Council Bluffs, IA and Erika Shears (Cody), of Gladwin, Michigan, great granddaughters, Anna, Harper, and Addison Salisbury, and great grandsons Cordell, Cody, and Wade Shears. He also leaves behind God daughters, Kayla, Madalynn, and Allyson Bonovitch, and a host of beloved friends too numerous to count.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 24th, from 11:00 to 1:00pm at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.
Funeral Service will follow at 1:00pm in the chapel of Bennett-May with David Bailey Bro. Mark Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow in New Zion Cemetery.
He was born in Phenix City, AL and grew up in Marietta, GA. He often told the story of running away from home at the age of 12 to begin adulthood and his working life. He was a “pull yourself up by your boot straps” kind of person and received his GED in 1966, but went on to earn his Diploma from Carvin County Adult High in North Carolina in 1970. At 18, he worked at Lockeed Aircraft Corporation. He began his military career in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968, and later transferred to the U.S. Navy where he served until his retirement in 1992. While he spent a majority of his service in the Navy, he was a Marine through and through and often remind us, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Resources Management and Military Science in 1980. Shortly after, he entered officer candidate school and commissioned ensign in the Navy in 1981 and worked his way to Lieutenant before his retirement.
He considered himself a 20th century Renaissance man that refused to watch life happen. Rather, he prided himself on being a leader that made things happen. He built several houses and barns by hand, raised and bred horses, and was an avid genealogist. He was proud of his heritage, accomplishments, and the life he had created that we came to affectionately call “Wayne’s World.” He was most passionate about leading and serving in all of our local veteran’s organizations alongside his brother’s in arms.
He had many sides, and only allowed most to see what he wanted them to. He could be generous to those in need, especially strangers. Perhaps his difficult past gave him a desire to save others and give them a hand up when possible.
He was tough and refused to quit no matter the circumstance. He strived for perfection and expected no less from others, especially his family and those closest to him. He could be harsh and unforgiving in an attempt to mold others into a better version of themselves. He held strong convictions on most things (seriously, don’t get him started), but was always faithful to defend them at any cost. In fact, the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fi” was how he lived his life and often how he ended conversations.
He was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. He trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation of his soul in eternal life… but, he felt he was the master of his own fate in this one. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him. He had a big personality that demanded attention and respect. He will certainly never be forgotten.
