Samuel Houston Harris Jr.

Forever the humorist, Sam loved to tell people that he was the first in his family to be born in a hospital. He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which he proudly called “God’s Country.” He was the eldest son of Samuel Houston Harris, Sr., and Emily Katherine Manville Harris.

While attending Baton Rouge High School, Sam discovered a lifelong love of golf, joking that he was the “worst member” of the school’s first golf team. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Personnel Management from Louisiana State University, where he and his brother were members of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Both remained active as Life Loyal Sigma Chis. Sam also participated in Air Force ROTC, eagerly anticipating his dream of becoming a fighter pilot, a passion rooted in his childhood collection of toy airplanes shared with his brother.

Sam’s life was defined by his warmth, laughter, and love for people. His parents instilled in him and his brother strong ties to God and the Episcopal Church. Both served as acolytes at St. James Episcopal Church before their family helped establish Trinity Episcopal Church, where Sam proudly became the church’s first acolyte.

Following graduation, Sam entered the U.S. Air Force, where he excelled as the top fighter pilot in his class. Though a peacetime veteran, he would have gladly served his country in wartime. After his military service, he built a long career in finance and banking, ultimately working 30 years in the Dealer Loans Department at Capital One. He loved his work and cherished the friendships formed throughout his career, many of which lasted a lifetime.

A true sports enthusiast, Sam balanced his career with an active lifestyle. He made seven documented holes-in-one, played tennis, ran regularly, and cheered on the LSU Tigers. He also poured himself into service: raising his three children after his first marriage ended, serving as an acolyte trainer, Boy Scout leader, and Junior Warden at Trinity Episcopal Church, and contributing to his community through the Downtown Lions Club, the Shriners, the Masons (32nd Degree), and other civic organizations.

In 1983, Sam remarried, and he and his wife enjoyed years filled with travel, love, and laughter until her passing in 2010.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved brother, The Rev. Terence Manville Harris; and his two wives. He is survived by his three children: Pamela Harris Welch, Mahlon Robert Harris, and Tracey Ann Harris; two grandchildren: Rachael Welch Tibbetts (husband, Matt) of Denham Springs, Louisiana, and Brian Houston “Doc” Welch of Baton Rouge; and four great-grandchildren: Madison Leigh Tibbetts, Hays Anthony Tibbetts, Noah Houston Tibbetts, and Anna-Katherine Tibbetts. He also leaves behind his cherished Boston Terrier grand-dogs, Missy and Jack Welch.

A reception will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church (3552 Morning Glory Avenue, Baton Rouge) on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Greenoaks Memorial Cemetery on Florida Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Endowment Fund in memory of Sam, at the Morning Glory address.