Clyde is survived by his wife of 70 years, Billie Harris; three children, Ralph Harris and his wife, Peggy, Jim Bob Harris and his wife, Ann, and Paula Harris; five grandchildren, Ashley Carol, Kathleen, Brian, Truett and Katherine; and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Cora.
Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Eli Harris, Sr. and Manie Payne Honea Harris, his sister, Martha and grandson, Brian Eli Harris.
Clyde and Billie met while attending Ouachita Baptist College, where he was a star football player and she was the prettiest girl on the freshman float. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Biology and later received his MBA and Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. He and Billie were married on November 13, 1952. Clyde’s early career was in the US Army Reserves and he retired as a Lt Colonel. Then he moved to Athens and began a lengthy career as a Sales and Marketing Professor at the University of Georgia. He mentored many students to successful careers and influenced all he taught. Upon his retirement from UGA in 1988, he continued to work in a consultant business, while also enjoying hunting, fishing and playing golf with friends and family. Many will remember him winning multiple Club Championships at the Athens Country Club. Clyde was a life-long and devoted member of Athens First United Methodist Church, where he was a leader of the Tuck Sunday school class. Our “Pappy” lived a great life and and he will always be in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Saturday, March 25, 2023 in Bernstein Funeral Home.
A private service will be held at a later date.
The family will host a reception after the celebration of life at their residence.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Athens First United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
