William Carroll Harris' Obituary
William Carroll Harris, 94, of Longview, Texas, passed peacefully on June 25, 2024. He was born in Eureka, Texas in 1930, the oldest son of Rev. Dr. Lewis Eugene Harris and Rubye Lee (Crenshaw) Harris. Always known as Carroll (and Papa), he was raised throughout East Texas, as his father was a minister for the United Methodist Church. He met LeWan (King) Harris, the love of his life, while at a Methodist District Youth church camp meeting. They married on February 11, 1951, and enjoyed 72 wonderful years together.
Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, sister Caren Jean Harris, his beloved wife LeWan, sister-in-law Elaine (Woodley) Harris, granddaughter Angel Rogers, and great-granddaughter Adilade Johnson. He is survived by his brother Dana Harris and sister-in-law Patty, daughter Sharen Bradford and son-in-law Dave; daughter Melaine Johnston and son-in-law Kent; daughter Melinda Mayfield and son-in-law Nick; daughter Adrian Forman Kirkland and son-in-law Clay; and most-beloved “adopted” daughter Ilene Gross; grandchildren Lauren Johnson, Meredith Sharp, Amon Johnston, Daniel Rogers, Nicole Alicea, Aaron and Ian Forman, Clayton, Alex, and Abi Kirkland; great-grandchildren Taylor, Cally, and Paige Sharp; Nohl and Clara Weindorf; Alister and Archer Johnston; Stella Alicea.
Carroll’s love for his family and friends was grounded in faith and mischief. He delighted in his grandchildren and great grandchildren, following their lives closely and cracking jokes every chance he got. A lifelong troublemaker, he prided himself on giving his grandchildren and great grandchildren candy behind their parents’ backs. He was a ruthless domino player, a firm believer in pie for breakfast, and was not above hiding the last of the dinner rolls from the rest of the family.
Carroll was a devoted lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years, first for high school students and then as a member of the Henry Foster class. He also taught the Thelma Morgan class, which he called the class for “Little Old Ladies”, where he was known to break into hymns while teaching. Over the years, he was exceptional in his service to the church, coaching youth basketball and actively working to build Asbury House. He worked tirelessly to expand the church’s support to the larger Longview community.
A U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, Carroll was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained as a forward observer while fighting in the trenches typical of battle in Korea. Temporarily blinded and with his hearing permanently diminished, Carroll’s injuries landed him in Japan for recovery and eventually reassignment at ST. Luke’s Hospital in Tokyo. His time in Japan made a deep and lifelong impression, infusing his life with a love and appreciation of the Japanese people and culture that influenced the lives of his entire family.
Carroll loved his family deeply, but no one more than his wife LeWan, whom he always referred to as his “girlfriend”. They had the romance of a lifetime and an unparalleled friendship. They first worked together in their sporting goods store, Harris Sporting Goods, and then at First Realty, which Carroll started in 1968, and later at Carroll Harris Homes, where LeWan managed the office and accounting. Together, they built many neighborhoods throughout Longview over their 30 years in the business.
As the son of a preacher who moved often, Carroll grew up scrappy and athletic, spending a great deal of time with his uncles on their sheep and cattle ranches. Years later, he oversaw his own cattle business. He loved to hunt and fish, and tried his best to instill this love in his daughters, though he only succeeded with one out of four. He and his brother Dana hosted their famous Squirrel Camp every fall for the grandsons and nephews (none of the girls were ever interested). He played basketball and boxed in college, and he continued playing sports throughout his life, including competitive volleyball. He was a catcher for the FUMC men’s softball team for as long as his knees allowed, and for as long as anyone can remember, he and a team of regulars, dubbed “The Nooners”, played basketball at the YMCA every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon. Even into his late 70’s, Carroll was known at the Y for his “alley oop” shot and mentoring younger players. He and LeWan loved watching baseball, whether following the Texas Rangers or their grandsons’ teams.
As a beloved member of the Longview community, Carroll was involved over the years with the Boy Scouts, Masons, several church initiatives, and as a founder of Asbury House. He was active in Ducks Unlimited and a founding member of the Little Caney Duck Club. He loved playing poker, deep sea fishing, or just getting coffee with his buddies. Most of all, Carroll was known for his stories. He spun a tale like no one else, whether it was a yarn about growing up during the Great Depression, a “Nino” bedtime store, or recalling his time in Korea and Japan.
Carroll made sure all his daughters could change a tire before they were allowed to drive, know their way around a toolbox, and always spoke their minds (even if he sometimes regretted that part.) For the last 14 years, he was blessed by the friendship of Ilene Gross, who became the fifth daughter in the family. In Carroll’s seven months after the passing of LeWan, Ilene brought him joy daily with her stories and wise cracks. Though he will be missed, the family is overwhelmingly thankful for the years we had with our mischievous, loving Papa. The family would like to thank Marshall Hospice, Parkview Assisted Living, and the sitters who took care of Carroll twenty-four hours a day: Jackie Reeves, Ashley Lawson, Sharonda Washington, Jessica Hinsley, Lakita Durden, and Wanda Durden. He now rests in peace with his beloved LeWan, and we remember them both with joy and love.
A memorial service to celebrate Carroll’s life will be held on Saturday, July 13th, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Longview.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First United Methodist Church children’s programs, Asbury House, or the charity of your heart.
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