Robert “Red” Harris passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born in Mount Vernon, Alabama on February 21, 1932 to Albert Leland and Lilly Love Harris. He was the second of four children. Robert graduated from Murphy High School and subsequently joined the United States Army. He served as a Corporal in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean conflict. He rarely discussed his overseas service in Korea, but he was a proud United States Veteran. Robert came home to Mobile from the U.S. Army and went to work for Alcoa Aluminum at the Alabama States Docks for 32 years. After his retirement from Alcoa, he went to work for Mobile County Public Works department for 28 years and enjoyed a second retirement in 2013.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Ellen Harris, of 63 wonderful years on July 27, 2017; grandson, Andrew Todd Harris; granddaughter, Michelle Platt; and loyal Yorkie-poo Ebony. Robert leaves behind his children, Larry Harris, Wayne Harris, Steve Harris (Beth), Barbara “Nez” Packard (Bob), Robert Harris (Karen), and Anita Willingham (Tommy); grandchildren, Jay Harris (Carmen), Jeffery Harris (Katie), Stephanie Dial (Matt), Jessica Coleman (Charlie), Amanda Ellis (Liner), Matt Stacey (Brandice), Dr. Travis Harris, MD (Megan), Hayes Harris (Lauryn), and Michael Packard; grandson-in-law, Dr. Vincent Platt, DVM; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren loving called him “Paw Paw Harris”. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play all types of athletic events at football stadiums, ball parks, and gymnasiums across the southeast and even in Hawaii. We estimated that he spent at least 66 years of his life watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and eating countless park hotdogs and hamburgers. He enjoyed spending time with his family and in recent years he and several of his retired sons would meet every Tuesday for lunch. And on each of his children’s birthday, he would always treat them for a birthday lunch or dinner. He was our Patriarch and guiding light for more than 70 years and we will miss his sweet and tenderhearted personality. Our lives will never be as rich and enjoyable without his presence. But he has left us a rich legacy and roadmap to guide us in the future.
Pallbearers are grandchildren Matthew Stacey, Travis Harris, Hayes Harris and great-grandchildren Brayden Stacey, Brady Coleman, and Kaleb Stacey.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for friends at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Pkwy., Saraland, AL. Funeral services will be held at Radney Chapel in Saraland on Wednesday August 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Jerry Presnall offering comments and prayer. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 10000 Celeste Rd., Saraland, AL. Arrangements under the direction of Radney Funeral Home, Saraland, AL. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
