Richard Coleman Harris

Richard Coleman Harris, age 85, of Pell City passed away on November 25, 2024. Richard was a devoted member of New Life Methodist Church of Pell City where he was especially proud of plans for new church building on the lake to minister to the needs of the lake community.

Richard worked in various positions in the steel industry including 18 years at Southern Electric Steel as a melter, and 26 years at U.S. Steel as a millwright. In his personal life Richard enjoyed deep-sea fishing, hunting and fast cars. He loved driving his silver convertible corvette and passed that love of speed to his daughter, Lori. He was most proud of having his personal pilot's license and loved to tell the story of his solo flight to Atlanta in a tiny aircraft that, as the air traffic controller told him in amazement, had a ground speed of 55 MPH as he departed Atlanta.

His greatest joy was to hear his daughter, Lori sing. He spent countless hours listening to her and bragged to everyone about her special gift. Richard has had many, many good friends that he loved to “Fellowship” with. He was a mentor to many men over the course of his friendships. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Richard is survived by, Sharon Nabors Harris, wife of 50 years; daughter, Lori Elizabeth Harris Dillashaw and son-in-law Shannon who has been more like a son than a son-in-law for 30 years; special fur-baby grand-dog, Brooklyn.; sisters-in-law, Patricia Johnston, Libba Ellison (Daryl “Buddy”), Judy Sharp (David), and 21 nieces and nephews who complete the joy of our "big" family. He also leaves behind his brother, Kenneth Gene Harris, (Gerry) and many nieces and nephews.

The family expresses its profound appreciation for the love and care of Tracy Whitten and the other kind professionals at Lakeside Hospice.

The visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, November 29th at Avondale Methodist Church 500 40th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35222 from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Wes Savage with New Life Methodist Church in Pell City, Alabama will preside over the service. The committal service will immediately follow the funeral service at Ridout’s Forest Hills Cemetery.