Obituary for Carl Firmin Harris Jr.
Graveside services for Carl Harris, Jr., 93, of Athens, are scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Payne Cemetery with Pastor Aaron Austin officiating under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.
Mr. Harris passed away December 7, 2021, in Athens.
Carl Firmin Harris, Jr. was born November 10, 1928, the son of Carl Firmin Harris Sr. and Virgie (Hughes) Harris and a stepmother Alma Shelton Harris. Along with his father, Mr. Carl owned a body shop and wrecker service in Athens for many years. Eventually the towing side of the business took off and became the exclusive focus and so Harris and Son Body Shop became Athens Wrecker Service, and this business has served the Athens area for over 70 years. It is continued by Carl’s son and grandson. After retirement, Mr. Carl was involved in ranching and spending time with his family. He was well known for his generosity and kindness. Carl was an avid supporter of the Henderson County Law Enforcement and was presented with a lifetime charter membership in the Henderson County Peace Officers Association in appreciation for his support.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 70 years, Billie Dean (O’Neal) Harris and grandson Daniel Hunter Harris.
Survivors include son, Joe Wayne Harris and wife Tina of Athens; eight grandchildren, Leighanne Harris Austin and husband Aaron of Athens, Matthew Wayne Harris and wife Jennifer of Athens, Kristina Kalyn Harris, Joseph Colter Harris and wife Jenny of Athens, Jacob Wade Harris and Britani of Copperas Cove, Jordan Walker Harris, Jason Wyatt Harris, Abigail Aleese Harris; 13 great grandchildren, Avery, Branch, Kane, Josslyn, Liam, Audie, Ava Jo, Olivia, Lincoln, Caden, Alison, Luke, Ellie and many extended family members and friends whom he held dear.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in Carl’s memory to the Henderson County Peace Officers Association, PO Box 1448, Athens, Texas 75751.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.
Mr. Harris passed away December 7, 2021, in Athens.
Carl Firmin Harris, Jr. was born November 10, 1928, the son of Carl Firmin Harris Sr. and Virgie (Hughes) Harris and a stepmother Alma Shelton Harris. Along with his father, Mr. Carl owned a body shop and wrecker service in Athens for many years. Eventually the towing side of the business took off and became the exclusive focus and so Harris and Son Body Shop became Athens Wrecker Service, and this business has served the Athens area for over 70 years. It is continued by Carl’s son and grandson. After retirement, Mr. Carl was involved in ranching and spending time with his family. He was well known for his generosity and kindness. Carl was an avid supporter of the Henderson County Law Enforcement and was presented with a lifetime charter membership in the Henderson County Peace Officers Association in appreciation for his support.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 70 years, Billie Dean (O’Neal) Harris and grandson Daniel Hunter Harris.
Survivors include son, Joe Wayne Harris and wife Tina of Athens; eight grandchildren, Leighanne Harris Austin and husband Aaron of Athens, Matthew Wayne Harris and wife Jennifer of Athens, Kristina Kalyn Harris, Joseph Colter Harris and wife Jenny of Athens, Jacob Wade Harris and Britani of Copperas Cove, Jordan Walker Harris, Jason Wyatt Harris, Abigail Aleese Harris; 13 great grandchildren, Avery, Branch, Kane, Josslyn, Liam, Audie, Ava Jo, Olivia, Lincoln, Caden, Alison, Luke, Ellie and many extended family members and friends whom he held dear.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in Carl’s memory to the Henderson County Peace Officers Association, PO Box 1448, Athens, Texas 75751.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.