Arthur F. "Rod" Harris

Arthur F. "Rod" Harris was reunited with his wife Marilyn after he passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024 at a local hospital. He was 87.

Rod was born July 16, 1937 in Providence, Rhode Island, to the late Arthur and Frances (Pearl) Harris. He was the oldest of six children.

After high school, Rod enlisted in the Air Force. He was given two options--a base in upstate New York or Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Rod said he'd had enough of New England winters, and he was a Texan the rest of his life.

Much to his regret, he scored high on a test for Morse code and that's how he was utilized in the military. He told stories of listening to the World Series on the radio with his fellow airmen, being stationed in Libya and spending time in Europe.

Rod was eventually transferred to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, where he met the woman that would become his wife, Marilyn Schwartz, at a Valentine's Day party.

They were married for 63 years and had three children, Randy, Debbie and Mike.

Rod was also an important father figure to his grandchildren, always pointing them in the right direction with good advice, while setting an example of how to be a man of character.

Rod and Marilyn were lifetime members of Holy Angels Church.

He graduated from San Angelo College and Angelo State University with several degrees, including a Master's in Business Administration. Rod worked for many years at GTE before retiring in 1993.

Rod loved traveling with his wife, and they visited every state except Alaska, along with numerous countries. Their favorite destination was Las Vegas and he made his final trip there last May. He also loved to go back home every year to visit Rhode Island for family and food.

Rod enjoyed golfing and played until he was physically unable to play anymore. He proudly had three hole-in-ones during his life. Another one of his favorite pastimes was discussing why Democrats are so misguided.

After his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Rod soldiered on and took care of her while taking over organizing Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter events at their house. The upcoming holidays won't be the same without him.

Rod was kind and generous to his family, and he ensured every one of his great-grandchildren had a college fund.

He loved his family very much. He was a man of integrity and he lived a full and good life. He will be deeply missed.

Rod was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn; son Mike; sisters Bernice Croce, Dorothea Hayden and Cheryl Davis; and brother Edward.

Rod is survived by his son Randy Harris (Becky); daughter Debbie and husband David Wood; brother Robert Harris and wife Mickey; sisters-in-law Joanie Schwartz Leaver and Cathy Schwartz; grandsons Paul Harris, Dillon Wood and wife Kristyn, and Dalton Wood; great-grandchildren Liam, Edison, Adalee, James, Oliver, Cecilia and Penelope; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins around the country.

Graveside service will be on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Family and friends may share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.