William Earl “Tony” Harris, 84, of Nashville, TN, formerly of Potts Camp and New Albany, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Alive Hospice in Nashville. A memorial service honoring his life will be Friday, April 19, 2024, at the First Methodist Church in New Albany. Bro. Matt Tyre will officiate. Visitation will be Friday from 10AM until 12PM. Burial will be in the Potts Camp Cemetery.
Born in Memphis, TN on April 1, 1940, Mr. Harris was one of ten children of the late James T. and Neoma Harris. After graduation from Hickory Flat High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served four years. Once he returned home from serving his country, Mr. Harris worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Co in Memphis, where he built the last tire that came off the line before Firestone closed its Memphis plant. Soon after, he became the plant manager for the Potts Camp location of Memphis Hardwood Flooring Co. for 25 years before retiring.
A devout Christian and A faithful member of Lebanon Church in Potts Camp, he later became a member of First Methodist Church in New Albany, and actively participated in many different areas within the church. Once he and his wife moved to Nashville, he joined Haynes Chapel Church of Murfreesboro, where he continued to be dedicated and active in the church. Mr. Harris loved flying. Once he recieved his pilot license, the sky became his limit. An avid reader of history, he used lessons learned from reading to become a dedicated leader of Boy Scout Troop 43 in Potts Camp, and in the Yocona Area Council, helping future leaders learn leadership and life skills they could use throughout their adult lives . Mr. Harris also loved opera, golf, and talking to anyone he came across, about any subject imaginable. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, he will be missed by those that adored and loved him, especially the ones that called him “Pops.”
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Joyce Ann Yarbrough Harris, one son, Matthew Y. Harris, Sr., of New Albany, one daughter, Amy Harris Brown (Dale) of Nashville, three sisters, Betty Anderson, Barbara Boyd, and Becky Harris; one brother, David Harris; and four grandchildren, Sarah Kathryn Reaves (Grayson), Hannah Harris, Matthew Y. Harris Jr., and Liam Brown.
Along with his mother and father, three sisters preceded him in death, Anita Moore, Mary Rose Lemons, and Linda Spears. Two brothers also preceded him in death, James Ted Harris Jr., and Jerry Harris.
New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care would like to thank Mr. Harris for his service to his country.
