Ed Harris (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas--Edward Lee Harris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and respected businessman went to be with God the Father on July 29, 2012, at the age of 91, after a life well lived with grace and dignity. Ed was born in Tulia, Texas on December 2, 1920. He was the third son born to A.J. and Maude Harris. His two older brothers were C.L. Harris and James T. Harris. He had two younger sisters: Ruth Harris Mills and Mary Harris Burgess. He graduated from Tulia High School in 1939. After graduation he attended Texas Tech University. Ed was a loyal Red Raider sports fan. He loved Texas Tech football and held season tickets for many years. He joined the Army in 1942. His battalion landed at Omaha Beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944 while serving with the 90th Infantry Division. Although so many of his comrades' life-journeys ended there, Ed's was blessed to continue another 68 years, and he made the most of those years. He loved his country and considered his time served in the Army as one of the largest honors and highlights of his life. He received the Bronze Star and other meritorious medals while serving his country. He was honorably discharged as Captain on March 11, 1946. Ed came home from the Army and worked for several retail lumber yards in Amarillo, Dumas, and Kress. He also worked with his Dad and brothers in the Tulia lumber business. There was a nearby town that didn't have a lumber yard, so he moved to Hart and established a very successful business. In 1963, after the death of his brother Jim, Ed purchased the Tulia lumber yard from Jim's wife, Marie. The Harris family has been in the lumber business for over 90 years. He was honored to serve as a director of the Texas Lumberman's Association for several years. Ed was an exceptional leader in church, civic, and industrial endeavors in Hart and Tulia. He was mayor of Hart, school board member, and helped establish Farmer's State Bank. He was a 55 year member of the Hart Lion's Club. He served several terms as president of the Greater Swisher County Industrial Foundation, Inc. A former Chamber of Commerce director, he has been a member of the board of First United Methodist Church, was chosen as Tulia's Man of the Year in 1975, and received the Tulia Pioneer Sprit award in 2003. He was a proud member of the Tulia Rotary Club where he served as President in 1988 and 1989. Ed was also a Master Mason with Tulia’s Masonic Lodge 733 for more than 60 years. Ed met Melba Appling in 1947 after Melba had been drafted as a sales person for Lubbock Sash & Door during the war. She called on Harris Lumber, and a romance developed. They were married on October 4, 1947. The marriage was blessed with two children and continued for 56 years until Melba's death in 2004. Ed is preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers, and sister Mary. He is survived by his two children, David Harris of Midland, and Jan Wilson and her husband Scott Wilson, of Houston; his two grandchildren, Caroline Wilson and Lauren Wilson; his sister Ruth; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family was blessed with wonderful caretakers: Michelle Drake, Pat Hernandez, Whitney George, Ramona Moncado, and Vivian Boston. Services for Ed will be at the First United Methodist Church in Tulia at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Visitation will be held at Kornerstone Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 31. The family suggests memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Tulia, 119 N. Briscoe; Tulia, 79088, the Tulia Cemetery Association; P.O. Box 116; Tulia, 79088, or the charity of your choice.