Paul Leo Harris

Paul was born on March 3, 1928, to Leo and Ethel Harris in Lithia, Florida. Paul joined the Merchant Marines at 17 and then gained his Captain of Sea Vessels license at 20. He was then drafted into the Marine Corps at23 where he attended Cook’s School and begin his life journey as a wonderful cook. At the age of 25, he received his Contractor’s License and begin building homes within the Tampa area. His attention to detail and quality work made them sounds structures. We are aware of at least one still standing and well loved. He then moved to Alaska and worked for the BIA building schools.

There he met Rebecca (“Becky”), and they wed in 1965, going on to have 3 children, Ruth, Robert and Rachel.

Paul and Becky, along with their partners, built a business, where they helped the village of Kotzebue in many different ways. He used his knowledge of construction to draw out each of the buildings the partnership owned. They owned Val-U-House, Kotzebue Hardware, Dairy Queen and Kotzebue Commercial Fisherman. He participated in local government, volunteered at a Fireman, volunteered with Search and Rescue, was a member of the Lion’s Club. He was instrumental in the Village of Kotzebue being recognized as “The Great American City”. He volunteered many hours building the Teen Center in Kotzebue. He spent many 4th of Julys cooking, as the celebration on the 4th is a huge community event. He was a practical joker who loved to laugh. He was once interviewed by Paul Harvey on the success of the Dairy Queen in a village north of the Arctic Circle.

In 1984, Paul and Becky moved to Lithia and shortly thereafter started Harris Citrus Nursery, where they enjoyed many years of producing many different types of citrus. He worked with local and not so local rare fruit clubs and developed their large selection of citrus varieties. Paul served on the Board for Waverly Growers Cooperative for 10 years. Paul passed on his knowledge of citrus, growing citrus and caring for citrus, to anyone who wanted to know. From the local high school groups, to local clubs. He worked with local machinists to develop a watering system that he could easily turn off over a particular table and then turn back on as was needed. He developed a walk through spray down station that is now used throughout the citrus industry.

Paul was a storyteller and enjoyed telling all about his adventures and share his knowledge to anyone who stopped by.

Paul was predeceased by his mom, dad, and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Becky, brother Bob, daughter Ruth along with Steve and their children, son Robert and daughter Rachel and her son.

A visitation for Paul will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 from 11:00 AM until the service at 12:00 PM, Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, 604 N Valrico Rd, Valrico, FL 33597.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Harris family.