The “Battler from the Backwoods” and Pride of Cut and Shoot passed away peacefully, on August 8, 2023, in his home surrounded by his children and family. Roy Robert Harris was born in Cut and Shoot, Texas, on June 29, 1933, to William Henry Harris and Gladys Eunice Murray. Roy was raised in Cut and Shoot, Texas and thrust his beloved hometown into the world spotlight in 1958 when he fought for the World Heavyweight Title in boxing.
Though born in the middle of the Great Depression, Roy was wealthy beyond measure in love and family. His family was large and tight knit. Due to hardships, Roy Harris learned at a young age to put family and friends before everything else.
Roy’s professional boxing career had an unlikely beginning when his brother Tobe traded a couple of wild ducks for some boxing gloves when Roy was 8 years old. This simple act set Roy firmly on the path to becoming a boxing legend. Roy cut his teeth boxing his brothers in a makeshift boxing ring consisting only of four fence posts for ring corners and barbed wire for rope. After four consecutive state Golden Glove championships under his belt, Roy decided to try his hand at the sport professionally to earn enough money for college tuition.
Twenty-three consecutive professional wins gave Roy a shot at the coveted World Heavy Weight Title, and, with this opportunity, the world spotlight shifted to shine brightly on his hometown in 1958. Roy’s kind heart, slow southern charm, and infectious smile ensured that he became an overnight sensation. The nation instantly fell in love with Roy and media from all over the world descended upon Cut and Shoot, Texas just to get a glimpse of the handsome, charming boxer.
Despite his success in the ring, Roy’s true legacy is the mark he leaves behind on his family, friends, and the community he loved. Roy was known for helping those in need. Everyone knew to “call Roy” and “he will help you” if you had any kind of problem. Roy may no longer be with us, but his memory will live on forever. The compassion and generosity he showed everyone will continue to be paid forward by everyone whose lives he touched.
On September 24, 1955, he married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Groce, and together they built a loving home in Cut and Shoot, Texas, and raised six children. Roy loved his wife deeply and fiercely. He never completely recovered from her passing in 2008. Roy Harris graduated from Conroe High School in 1951. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Sam Houston State University and attended law school at the University of Arkansas. While attending Sam Houston, Roy was in the ROTC and, after graduating, he obtained the rank of Captain in the Army. He also further served the community by teaching 4th grade for several years before attending law school. Roy passed the bar and proceeded to have a long, successful legal career. After he became a lawyer, Roy was persuaded to run for local office and served Montgomery County as County Clerk for 28 years.
Roy is survived by his six children: Connie Jean Harris-Nelson and husband Ronald Nelson of College Station, Texas; Roy Robert Harris, Jr. and wife Tina Harris of Cut and Shoot, Texas; Kevin Groce Harris and wife Deborah Harris of Cut and Shoot, Texas; Sabrina Kay Harris of Glenwood Springs, CO; Ronda Elizabeth Harris of Frisco, Texas; Resa Lee Harris of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Ronald Blake Nelson, Cassie Jean Nelson, Victoria Marie Nelson, Lynnsey Dianne Harris, Skylar Marie Harris, Devin Gold Harris, Ethan Gold Harris, Blane Gold Harris, Makayla Marie Harris and one great grandchild, Harrison Wade Nelson. His four surviving siblings are: Helen Harris, Henry Harris and wife Sandra, Wynne Harris, and James Harris and his wife Denise. Roy is also survived by his aunt Dorothy Brown, several cousins and innumerable nieces, nephews, family and friends. The family would like to thank Zach Harris, Inez McGee, Veronica Lugo, Genesis Alvarez, Nora Cadle, Andy Anderson, and Rachel Thigpen for the caring and compassion they exhibited while caring for Roy during his twilight years. The family would like to extend an invitation, for all those who knew and loved Roy, to join us to celebrate his life, legacy and accomplishments.
Public Visitation is to be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Cashner’s Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303.
Memorial services are to be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Mims Baptist Church, 1609 Porter Road, Conroe, Texas 77301.
In leiu of flowers, the family has set up a GoFundMe for The Roy Harris Scholarship Fund benefiting scholarly athletes at Caney Creek High School: https://gofund.me/0b74696e
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Harris family.
