Harris was born September 23, 1946 in Waycross to the late Reppard Harris and Christine Henderson Harris. He was a 1964 graduate of Waycross High School.

In addition to his parents, Harris was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Harris and Donnie Harris.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patsy Carter Harris of Hoboken; two sons, Tracy LeRoy Harris and Benjamin “Benjy” Carter Harris (Jessica), both of Hoboken; five grandchildren, Tyler LeRoy Harris, Ezra Jade Morris, Bazley Mannen Harris, Myla McRae and Benjamin Edward Harris; three great grandchildren, Kyla Shay Morris, Maverick Eli Ginn and Gatlin Abel Ginn; three siblings, Marlene Harris of Waycross, Rosemary Davis of Athens and Terry Harris (Debbie) of Waycross; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Harris was proud to have grown up in Garlington Heights, where he made some lifelong friends. Harris entertained his boys with many brickbat house stories of his experiences there. They learned about “monkey land,” sea bottom, fishing at Kettle Creek, etc. He had a great life there.

Harris

After a long career, Harris retired from CSX Transportation in 1996 as an electrician. He had a lifelong love for trains and made many trips on Amtrak to New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Maine, Niagara Falls, Utah, Colorado and many other places.

Harris was a high school referee for 25 years and an avid fan of baseball. He visited most of the major league stadiums with his friend, Red Lewis. Harris was a city boy who became a farmer growing vegetables and watermelons that were known far and wide.

His love and knowledge of his hometown of Waycross got him involved with the elder hostel program through Georgia Southern University. They came from all over the world to learn about railroads and the Okefenokee Swamp.

Harris and Don Berryhill were a perfect team — Harris with history of Waycross and CSX and Berryhill with his love and knowledge of the beautiful Okefenokee. Vistors left Waycross having met two fine, knowledgeable southern gentlemen.

The Harris family would like to say thank you to the loving and exceptional care of Satilla Hospice, and also a very special thank you to our sitter, Edna Pate. She is very special and so appreciated.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, September 9, at Hoboken Baptist Church. Burial followed at Mars Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Rhett Carter, Bart Moody, James Carter, Rodney Carter, Rhett Harris, Bobby Moore, Marshall Davis and Cody Harris.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in his memory to the Empty Stocking Fund at the Waycross Journal-Herald. Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.

Music Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.