Coach Robert A. Harris of Readyville passed away peacefully at the age of 98. Just 10 days shy of his 99th birthday. He was born in Bradyville, Tn., the son of the late Robert Adam Harris, Sr and Mary Roxie Reed Harris.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Doris Ann Fitts and his grandson, Josh Fitts both of Readyville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Holt Harris; his son-in-law, Hoyte Fitts and his siblings, Raymond, Rachel and Marvin Harris.
Mr. Harris was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in WWII where he landed on Normandy Beach as a part of the landing crew. He later was a part of the recovery team once the battle was over. He was a true hero.
As a coach and a teacher for 40 years in Cannon Co., he was a force to be reckoned with in both the classroom and on the court. He coached his teams to a multitude of wins including the 1989 State Championship. He was the second father to many of “his girls” being of support when it was needed, buying food, shoes or letterman jackets.
A member of the Woodbury church of Christ, he was also a member of the Woodbury Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge and the honorary Captain of the “Liars Table” at Parsley’s Market. He may have had one arm, but he could outwork anyone. He never saw that as a disability. Coach Harris was a master carpenter and could fix anything that he set his mind to.
Graveside services for Robert A. Harris will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Thyatira Cemetery with Military Honors. Bro. Herb Alsup will conduct his service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cannon Co. Girls Basketball program or the Woodbury church of Christ Building Fund.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net