Mr. Robert Edward Harris Jr., 88, Tuscumbia, departed this life for eternal rest on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012, at Helen Keller Memorial Hospital. He peacefully slept away.
Robert was born on Dec. 1, 1923, in Mobile, Ala. to the late Robert Harris Sr. and Octavia Harris.
He received his elementary and high school education in Mobile. After serving in the United States Army during WWII, he enrolled at Alabama A & M College. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree, he came to Colbert County to teach auto mechanics at Trenholm High School. After Trenholm closed, he was then moved to Deshler High School in the same position, retiring in 1985.
For many years Robert was an member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. He, along with other members, took an active role in the building of the current edifice. He was also a very effective Sunday School teacher.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy Gibbs Harris; a son, Ronald Harris, of Mobile, Ala.; two daughters, Felecia (Anthony) Rodgers and Nadine Russ, both of Madison, Ala.; devoted special family friend, Herbert Johnson; grandchildren, Kia and Aaron Meade, Jessica and Louis Russ Jr., Madison, Ala., Christian Minor, Florence, Ala., Charron McDaniel (Jaime), Kan., Desmond Corpening (Bianca), Germany; a host of great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Gloria Harris, Silver Spring, Md.; and other relatives and friends.
Visitation with the family will be Tuesday 6-7 p.m. at Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. Funeral service for Mr. Harris will be noon Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Tuscumbia with Reverend Dwight Dillard officiating. Interment will be in Shoals Memorial Gardens, Tuscumbia. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to services. Thompson and Son Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, Directing.
