KENNETH RAYMOND HARRIS

Kenneth Raymond Harris, 86, died, Thursday, July 20, 2023, in Beaumont. He was born on April 19, 1937, to Elsie Creigh Harris and Lois Lorene Wilson.

Kenneth grew up in a loving home with both laughter and tears. His family shared with others in time of need and had occasion to receive the same. They opened their home to family members who had lost their home in a fire, then experienced the same fate themselves. He lost his Dad to a heart attack in 1961. His mother became the matriarch of the family. She loved everyone dearly, had a great sense of humor, and was sharp as a tack. She hosted the family every Sunday for lunch after church. It was truly a treasured time of fellowship. Kenneth had a servant’s heart, and gave his hard work, blood, sweat, and tears to many. The man worked hard all his life and really enjoyed his labor. He loved getting on the floor and playing with his grandchildren. He told stories and gave them great imaginations of pink ponies and many more. He loved animals and taught us kindness in so many ways by the way they were treated. He had been a truck driver, rodeo clown and rider, painter, carpenter, roofer, and whatever other task was needed at the time. He was a great story-teller and would talk to a fence post for an hour. He loved greatly and shared his time and wisdom with so many out of that love.

Survivors include his wife, Velma June Harris; children, John Michael Harris and his wife, Kathy, Debora Ann Harris and her husband, Rene Yanez, Elsie Rose Wright and her husband, Scott, Lois Annette Dailey and her husband, Lonnie, Kenneth Raymond Harris II and his wife, Connie; step children, William Ernest Clark and his wife, Jill, Shirley Ann Maida and her partner, Jon Trahan, and Wayne Lee Clark; twenty two grandchildren; thirty two great grandchildren; and brother, Rex Donald Harris.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois Harris; and sisters, Sara Rose Barrow, Helen Eloise Wynn, and Sharon Elise Epting.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 632008, Houston, Texas, 77263 or to the Harbor Hospice House, P.O. Box 21463, Beaumont, Texas, 77720-1463.

A gathering of Mr. Harris’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with his funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 24, 2023, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His interment will follow at High Island Cemetery.