EDDIE LEE HARRIS, III

Life’s Journey

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me besides the still waters.  He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Rev. Eddie L. Harris, III was  the eldest child born to the late Eddie L. Harris, Jr. and Johnnie Bateman Harris in Beeville, Texas on September 6, 1940.  He moved to San Antonio, TX. and accepted Christ at a young age uniting first with Corinth Baptist Church, then later  with St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church and called to preach under the leadership of   the late Rev. J.V. Winters. 
 
Eddie received his formal education in the San Antonio Independent School District, graduating from Phyllis Wheatley in 1958. Afterwards he attended and graduated from St. Philips College in 1964 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Business Administration, then later he attended and graduated from St. Mary's University in 1970 with a BA in Sociology and Psychology.
 
On  October 12, 1959 Eddie married the love of his life, Edna Cochran.  They were married for over 35 years and to this union five children were born.
 
Eddie had a strong work ethic all of his life. He worked at Aycocks Pharmacy on the West Side and at "The Barn Door Restaurant" for the Tassos' Family from childhood until after college. He delivered flowers for Harris Floral Service, a family business in his spare time.  He retired in 2012 after working for over 40 years at St. Philips College, last position held was Evening Operations Manager.
 
Eddie was well known in the social realm. He joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in  the Spring of 1973 and was a Basileus from 1976-1977 during Social Action Chairman Week. He was also Chairman of the Omega Holiday Ball. Later, he became a member of the Van Courtlandt Social Club where he served as  president from 1989-1991. 
 
Eddie loved being out in the community. He was a great conversationalist and knew many people. He volunteered  time to Jack and Jill's of America some seasons where he played Santa Claus. Some of his hobbies were  pool, dominos, and golf.
 
Eddie was a loving and caring father and  had a special way of picking his children up when they were down, his favorite quote was " Keep Shining Like the Bright Morning Star" which will be remembered forever.
 
On August 11, 2018, Eddie answered the Lord's call and made the transition from life here on earth to his eternal life in Heaven.
 
Eddie was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Cochran Harris, his parents  Eddie  L. Harris, Jr. and Johnnie Bateman Harris, and a brother, Sidney L. Harris. He leaves to cherish his memory five loving children; Cynthia Harris, Gerald (Elizabeth) Harris, Cheryl Harris Green, Gloria (Ricky)Harris Brown, and Marsha Harris; grandchildren, E.J., Jasmine, Donovan and Cameron; four brothers, William Harris, John ( Corine)Harris, Bruce (Jackie) Harris, Michael (Rosemary) Harris, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.