Robert E. Harris

He is survived by the wife he adored for 60 years, Melva Harris, and the children and grandchildren that were his greatest source of pride: his son Robert W. Harris and wife Kathy; daughter Paige Knudsen and husband Michael; daughter Nanette Benoit and husband Steve; daughter Karen Baker and husband Eric; his grandchildren Chad Loup, Jenna Loup, Emma Baker, Andy Harris, Marlaina Wigley and husband Bryan, Steven Benoit Jr., Ashley Goode and husband Derek, Taylor Knudsen, Courtney Knudsen; and his great granddaughter Andrea Mercado. He is also survived by his much-loved nieces and nephew David Garrard, Kathy Love, Libby Lokey, Lisa Luscinski and their spouses; his cousin Larry Norred; his cherished, long-time friend, colleague and walking buddy Jon Jones; and other extended family members.

Bob was born in Piggott, Arkansas, on June 26, 1928. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, followed by an MBA from the University of Houston. During his 40-year career in warehousing, distribution and air-freight management, Bob and his family created a lifetime of memories in homes in Houston, New Orleans, Charlotte and Seattle, before returning to Houston where he retired from Anderson Clayton/Gulf Atlantic.

Bob is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the World War II Occupation Forces assigned to Japan.

He will forever be remembered for his fierce love of family, his undying devotion to his wife, his inspiring work ethic, his kind and generous heart, and his strong moral and ethical character. Bob was an avid golfer, fisherman, hunter, and gardener, a long-time member of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, and a dedicated volunteer, including many years of service with Meals-on-Wheels and the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Emma and John Harris; sister Martha Garrard and brother-in-law Bill Garrard; and mother-in-law Nan Hollomon.

A service for family and friends will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Forest Park - The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery. Visitation is at noon, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Robert E. Harris to the Alzheimer’s charity or cancer charity of your choice.