Burl Gene Harris

Burl Gene Harris 70, beloved husband, father, grandfather ("Papa Gene"), brother, uncle, cousin, and friend of many, passed away Sunday January 14, 2007. Burl closed his eyes to this world and immediately Jesus stood to welcome him into heaven. A funeral service, with Reverend T.C. Melton, Reverend Burtis Williams and Reverend David Warren officiating, will be held at Elmcrest Baptist Church Thursday, January 18th, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A visitation will be at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 17 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Burl was born near Goree, TX. September 28, 1936 to John Harris and Maurine Jones Harris. He moved to Abilene In February 1954, where he immediately began to work in the construction industry. In 1960 he started Harris Acoustics, which he continued to operate until his death. Burl also was a developer and, through his many projects, built hundreds of buildings, forever changing the landscape of Abilene, and other parts of Texas. Burl was a member of many organizations, including AAIBO, for which he served on the board, Interact, Rotary club of Abilene, and untold others during his fifty years in the Construction and development business. He was also very involved at Elmcrest Baptist Church, where he had been a member for over 52 years, serving in numerous capacities, most recently as Deacon Chairman. Burl was an eternal optimist, often saying "everything will work out alright". One of his favorite bible scriptures says "With God all things are possible." Burl wore the Harris name proudly. Another scripture he took to heart was Proverbs 22:1, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold". Burl was blessed in many ways, including his success in business, but valued his family and his God above all. He always understood the importance of hard work. Among the many awards and honors he received, Burl was most proud of the Torch Award he was given in 2002 by the Abilene Better Business Bureau. The award, presented in recognition of honesty, integrity and exemplary business ethics, was given to Harris Acoustics for the 100-plus employee category. Burl touched many lives, and was a giving person. He was always there with a hand up or a hand out. His generosity will live through the many people and organizations he has helped. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sue Asher. Survivors include: his wife, Patsy Harris of Abilene; three daughters, Pam Williams, Mandy Chew and Kim Harris all of Abilene; a step daughter, Kristi Harney and husband Dewayne of Henrietta, Texas; a brother, John W. Harris and wife Barbara of Abilene; two sisters, Evelyn Keefer and husband Austin of Abilene, and Ruby Sheppard and husband Hank of Houston, Texas; nine grandchildren, Joesph, Cristina, Tabitha, Timothy, Ashley, Michael, Matthew, Joshua, and Travis; seven great-grandchildren, Cody, Caitlynn, Gage, Skylar, Alex, Alana, and Izzy, as well as several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Gary Harris, Scott Harris, Brent Sheppard, Scott McCleary, Larry Young and Kelly Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons Wayne Palmer, Marion Simpson, Ken Deatherage, Walter Wheat, Sid Martin, John Caronna, Larry Meers, Jim Barnett, Johnny Barrera and Don White. Memorials may be made to Elmcrest Baptist Church, 517 North Pioneer Drive, Abilene, Texas 79603.