Richard W. Harris

1936 - 2021

Richard W. Harris obituary, 1936-2021, Denham Springs, LA

FUNERAL HOME

Seale Funeral Service, Inc. - Denham Springs

1720 S. Range Ave.

Denham Springs, Louisiana

Richard Harris Obituary

Richard W. Harris was born on October 31, 1936, and passed away at his home in Walker, Louisiana on September 30, 2021, at the age of 84 years, 11 months. Always quick with a joke and a smile, he often quipped that because he was born on Halloween, his mother did not know if he would walk or fly. After graduating from Walker High School in 1955, Richard worked for the Louisiana Department of Highways and as a Local No. 623 Iron Worker. In 1966, he accepted employment with Ethyl Corporation and worked there until Ethyl closed its Baton Rouge plant 19 years later. After Ethyl, Richard began a tree service and small logging operation and quickly earned a reputation as a stellar tree cutter. As a result, he was routinely called upon to remove high risk trees growing beside homes. He relished the challenge and especially loved making new friends with the homeowners who were grateful no trees would fall on their homes during hurricane season. Never one to meet a stranger, Richard took an interest in public service. He served on the Charter Commission that drafted Livingston Parish's current Home Rule Charter, served as Livingston Parish's first Recycling Planner, and spent nearly three decades as a board member for Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage District No. 5. Richard loved classic country music and would frequently break into song. He played the guitar and harmonica and loved to tell jokes. There was a time when you could find him nearly every Saturday night at the Old South Jamboree in Walker introducing entertainers and telling jokes to the audience while the next band was setting up. Richard loved his family and loved when they came to visit. When it was time to leave, Richard never failed to call out, "I love you, boy! I love you, girl!" Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen Arledge Harris; a son, Roger Harris (Helen) of Lafayette; grandchildren, John Harris of Denham Springs, and Rachel Harris Russin (Nathanael) of Walker; granddog, Hailey of Lafayette; a brother, Raymond Harris (Lynn) of Walker; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his daughter, Katherine Harris Lee; parents, Melton L. Harris, Sr. and Antonia James Harris; three brothers, Melton L. Harris, Jr.; Donald "D. D." Harris; and Leon Harris; and only sister, Reta Harris Clark. Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home, 1720 S. Range Avenue, Denham Springs, LA 70726, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4. The funeral will be at Walker Baptist Church, 10696 Florida Boulevard, Walker, LA 70785, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5. The church will open at 10:00 a.m. for a one-hour visitation before the funeral service begins. Burial will be at Walker Baptist Church Cemetery on Highway 447 (Walker South Road) following the funeral. Pallbearers will be John Harris, Nathanael Russin, Travis Arledge, Philip Harris, Lee Harris, Barry Harris, and Patrick Bourgeois.

Published by The Advocate from Oct. 2 to Oct. 5, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Richard and I were great friends while we were at Ethyl. I use to go to his house and we hunted for pigs, with his dogs and he kept me entertained while hunting, telling stories and never seen a pig except the ones in his pin. Even tho we lost after Ethyl, every time I rode down the interstate I always thought of him. He was a good friend and will be missed

Paul Levert

Work

October 5, 2021

Mrs Helen
I´m thinking and praying for you and your family.
Love you

Cathy Clayton

Friend

October 4, 2021

Helen know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of
Richard. I treasure my many years of friendship with you and Richard.
May God Bless You in this time of
sorrow.

Jo Ann Felder

Friend

October 3, 2021

What a great man! I will always remember our camping trip listening to Hank Williams Sr. and hearing great jokes and stories. Richard will be missed. Blessed for the great memories!!

Chase Rainey

Friend

October 2, 2021

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Memorial Events
for Richard Harris

Oct

4

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Seale Funeral Service, Inc. - Denham Springs

1720 S. Range Ave., Denham Springs, LA 70726

Oct

5

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Walker Baptist Church

10696 Florida Boulevard, Walker, LA

Oct

5

Funeral

11:00 a.m.

Walker Baptist Church

10696 Florida Boulevard, Walker, LA

Oct

5

Burial

Walker Baptist Church Cemetery

Highway 447 (Walker South Road), LA

Funeral services provided by:

Seale Funeral Service, Inc. - Denham Springs

1720 S. Range Ave., Denham Springs, LA 70726

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