Earl June Harris

Earl J Harris, the youngest of nine children, born to Lawrence and Eva Harris on June 24, 1931. His parents believed in God, family, hard work and togetherness. As a result, they left a legacy of family values and determination.

Earl was proud of his graduating class of George Washington Carver 1951 which he was class president and all-star quarterback. His nickname was “Guts” as he was not afraid to make a play on the field. Earl often gave gratitude to his High School teachers such as Mrs. Carter and Coaches Rufus Conley and Voide Caraway. Those Educators encouraged him to continue his education and obtaining a Bachelor Degree of Science from Texas Southern class of 1955. Earl was also grateful to JW Weingarten for employing him and allowing him to work afterschool to pay for his college education. Earl went on to obtain a Master’s of Science in Administration as well as a Mid-management certification from Prairie View A&M University.

While attending Texas Southern University, Earl’s life changed as he met his soulmate, Hazel Thorne. Earl and Hazel married and celebrated 65 years of marriage. As anyone who knows them knows “where you saw one you saw the other”.

Earl worked as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in Aldine Independent School District. Over those years he often reflected on the wonderful and fulfilling years he served with fellow coaches and teachers. In addition, he often shared many life stories and bonds he formed with many students and athletes he coached and taught over the years. He was grateful to have been a part of so many lives.

Earl was active in the civic and other organizations past and present which included past president of the Yorkdale Civic Club; past vice president of Acres Homes Citizen Council; member of the Dangerous Building Commission for the City of Houston Panel #1; vice president of the Positive Interaction Program (PIP) in Acres Homes; served on a committee for ethnic employment in Aldine; member of the TSU Alumni Association “Class of 1955”; and member of the Mt. Olive Evergreen Cemetery Association.

Earl was previously an active member of Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Houston, Texas where he served as a Deacon, assistant superintendent of Sunday School; teacher of the Men’s class and program coordinator of the Brotherhood Association. Earl and Hazel moved to Cedar Creek, Texas to be closer to Hazel’s family. There they joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher until his health started to decline.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mildred Stewart (Aaron) Ida Mae Cook and Ruby Chatman-Boyd (JB). Brothers Oscar M (Annette), Willard (Annie Bea), Alonzo Fred (Odessa), Herbert J, (Willie Ruth) and Raymond Leonard (Josephine).

Earl is survived by his wife Hazel and son, Vincent (Anna) and sister-in-law Willie Ruth Harris; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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