Paul was born May 10, 1955, in Dallas, Texas, to David L. and Helen (Littlefield) Harris. He left this life from his home in Olney, Texas, on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, to reunite with family members in the Home of Many Mansions.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Olney with Andy Graham, pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Olney, officiating. Assisting will be Bill Myers of Graham, Texas and Mark Kunkel of Terral, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery in Olney, Texas under the direction of Lunn Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lunn Funeral Home in Olney.

Paul was preceded in death by his daughter, Lauren Lee; his father, David L. Harris Sr.; his grandparents; aunts: uncles: his sister-in-law, Donna Dixon; and Frank and Wyolene Gray, his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Paul moved to Olney in the third grade. He was a student of the OISD system for the next 10 years and made the Hall of Fame in 1973. He was active in football, track and scouts. Paul was a member of the OHS Student Council for seven years and served as president of the Council and student body. He was also president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Captain of the Olney Cubs football team.
After high school Paul attended Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, where he was on the Rodeo Team. He enjoyed riding the horses bareback; because, he said, "You get more bang for a buck."
Paul and Dorthea Lou Gray were married December 29, 1973, in Olney. From Sul Ross the couple returned to Olney where Paul worked in the oil field several years. He then made his entrance to the world of carpentry, for which he had a natural talent. Given a piece of wood, he would make something lovely from it.
He loved and had many hobbies that included hunting, fishing and golf. His golfing highlight was when he played in The St. Jude Children's Celebrity Golf Tournament fundraiser. His quote: "I wasn't the best or worst, but I had the most fun." He went on to finish in many golf tournaments through the course of his lifetime.
Paul was a natural hunter. He achieved his limit using the fewest shots and was always first man back to the house. On his fourth birthday, he was introduced to the art of fishing and never tired of it from that day forward.
He made his living by being a carpenter; and he made of his life by being forgiving, loving, kind, nonjudgmental and an eternal optimist. He liked all people. He really loved all family members. Family was most important to Paul.
Paul is survived by his wife, Lou, of the home; two sons: Major Paul W. Harris II, and wife, Renee, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Chad Harris of Olney; his mother, Helen Harris, of Olney; two brothers: David Harris Jr., and Mark Harris and wife, Karen, all of Olney; his sister, Norma Myers, and husband, William A. Myers, of Graham; and his sister-in-law, Frankie Foster, of Breckenridge.

Other survivors include his three grandchildren: Paul W. III, Elaina and Ellie Harris of Albuquerque, NM; five nephews: Chip Myers of Graham, Daniel Myers and wife, Nicci, of Granbury, Brandon Dixon of Texarkana, Arkansas, Brock Harris of Stephenville, and Jason Whitsitt of Burleson; eight nieces: Samantha Milhollon and husband, Randy, and Beci Campbell and husband, Justin, all of Graham, Rhonda Manning and husband, David, of Killeen, Renee O'Dell and husband, Rob, of Bridgeport, Christy Robinson and husband, Jimmy, of Breckenridge, Deborah Kimbro and husband, Tommy, of Olney, Tamera Felz and husband, Fred, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Talley Dixon of Throckmorton; nine great-nieces: Gabi and Sarah Myers of Burleson, Jaci Kimbro and Kristen Thurman of Olney, Ashlee and Allie Ferguson of Bridgeport, Katy Ray of Breckenridge, and Kennedi and Jaci Myers of Granbury; four great-nephews: Matthew and Cameron Milhollon of Graham, Ryder Myers of Granbury, and Jase Campbell of Graham; great-great niece, Kenley Thurman, of Olney; great-great nephew, Kelby Thurman, of Olney; seven aunts, three uncles, one great-uncle; and many cousins.
Pallbearers will be: David Harris Jr., Mark Harris, Major Paul W. Harris II, Chad Harris, Jason Whitsitt and Billy Hall. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Chip Myers, Daniel Myers, Brandon Dixon, Brock Harris, Randy Milhollon and Tommy Kimbro.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3402 N. 1st, Ste. 102, Abilene, Texas 79603.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lunnfuneralhome.com.