Richard Lee Harris

Richard Lee Harris, 82, of Quitman passed away on March 5, 2023.

Richard was born October 12, 1940 to parents Leon and Sybil Clanton Harris. He grew up in the area and graduated John Tyler High.   He joined the United States Army in 1959 and retired a CW3 advanced level expert in his field.

Richard served proudly for 20 years.  While stationed in Germany in 1962, he met and married Erla Matthiasdottir of Iceland, had 2 children and raised a family.  Military life brought them to Oklahoma; a wonderful tour in Hawaii; and finally to Killeen Texas where he retired in his home state in 1979.  The family then moved to Houston where Richard worked in Corporate Management before settling back into the boating and fishing life he so loved.

In 1998, Richard moved back home to Quitman with his current wife, Carolyn Louise Beedles of Kansas, whose own family have relocated and call East Texas home. 

Growing up in the pine and oak savannah countryside of Quitman, Richard had a unique childhood: a southern way of life of a time gone by.  Life was more care-free and rowdy with cousins and extended family around; yet hard work without modern conveniences.  Thick forests, lakes, pastures, dusty country roads: the spaces that shape freedom, patriotic values, and a deep sense of home.   

Richard was known for his detailed memory and rich story-telling, his easy going personality, sense of humor, good cooking, being young at heart and making good times with others.  He was an avid reader and would re-read the entire Lord of The Rings series annually.  He could fix most anything, and never stopped learning.  As an avid golfer in his later years, he was refurbishing golf clubs. Even in his last year, he was fixing clocks and watches, and could still fix the tractor, the plumbing and everything else.  Out of all the things, his favorite was being Papa Richard to his grandkids.

He is preceded by his parents Leon and Sybil Clanton Harris; and brother Mike Harris.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn Harris of Quitman, Tx; children from his first marriage Jessica Harris of Oregon and JuLee Pandora of Seabrook, Tx; five grandchildren Raven, Axel, Cheynon, Azhray, Brandon; three great grandchildren Micha, Uriah, and Vera; and many other extended family members and friends.

A Military Funeral Service for Mr. Harris will be held at a later date.