Harris E Phillips

Harris was born in Sylacauga, AL, but he grew up within the secret city of Oak Ridge, TN during the development of the Atomic Bomb known as the Manhattan Project.

Harris proudly served his country, first in the Navy at the end of WWII, and again in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War.

Harris is alumni of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, having achieved his Master degree in 1952 in the study of mineralogy. He retired from Tenneco Oil Company in 1986 as Vice President and Division General Manager, Mid-Continent Division. During this time, he supervised a run of twenty-eight successful wells. Having been with this company for 35 years, he saw the world as exploration manager for international operations and conducted geological studies that led to a highly successful entry into the Gulf of Mexico.

Always fascinated with inorganic substances, our breakfast table was often covered with various rocks and minerals, while he wore various funny spectacles as he studied them with numerous tools. He loved to play “Rocky Top” for his dear “Gator” friends as they passed by on the golf course. On June 12, of this year, Harris had a hole-in-one on hole number eight at his home course of The Golf Club @ Fleming Island, witnessed by his three-day-a-week golfing buddies; this was his ninth hole-in-one!

One of the things Harris was most proud of was the success of, and unconditional love from, his children. Sons Lee, Wellesley, MA; Perry, Sheboygan, WI; daughters Mary Margaret Sadler, Pilot Point, TX and Julie Burleson, Newburgh, IN; and, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Glen Mary, brother Frank, and granddaughter Melinda. He is survived by his brother Bill, Oak Ridge, TN, and loving wife and best friend of 16 years, Andrea “Andi” Phillips, and his golfing family, Fleming Island, Jacksonville, FL.

Harris was a friend to all, fair and non-judgmental, and caring of his fellow man. He lives in our hearts, and we know his soul is in heaven.

A private celebration of life with his friends will follow cremation. He will be interned in Corpus Christi, TX, with the presence of his immediate family, next to his first wife at a later date. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 904-264-2481. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com