Philip Harris
September 18, 1948 ~ May 30, 2023
Resided in: Linden, Texas
Philip Ward Harris, also known as “The Colonel” or “The Hat Man”, was born on September 18, 1948 to Smoky and Dorothy Harris of Linden, Texas. Phil succumbed to heart failure on May 30, 2023 at the age of 74.
A 1967 graduate of Linden-Kildare, Phil was a lifelong resident of the community of Caves Springs, Texas. A christian and a member of the Republican National Committee, Phil was a licensed auctioneer and professional opportunist, a successful, self-made businessman and founder of the well known shop, Harris Mercantile in Avinger, Texas. For 25 years, you could find him at the world’s largest flea market on First Mondays in Canton, Texas. He began as a small time booth vendor and left his legacy as owner of a permanent pavilion that housed hundreds of vendors. Phil was a hustler, a trader, a friend, and business partner with people all over the United States and Mexico.
Phil lived a good, happy life full of adventures with many lifelong friends to share it with. Although he was hard working, Phil enjoyed evenings sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. He was the care taker of his family and many others down on their luck. He was a kind and caring son, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend that helped everyone he knew in some way throughout the years.
Phil was a dedicated 33rd degree Master Mason of Lodge 192 for 47 years, a popular football star in high school and lover of the ladies. And the ladies loved him. He was the oldest of three siblings and known for his lack of attire and didn’t care if you liked it or not. He was himself.
Philip was preceded in death by his father, Smoky Harris; his beautiful sister, Kathy and her sweet daughter, Kristi Lynn.
He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Harp Harris; his loving wife, Kathie Lee Harris, her daughter, Lori Fullerton and family; a previous step-son, Richard Jaynes, Jr. and family; his dearly loved daughter, LeAnn Harris; his beloved granddaughters, Hannah and Harmonie; his brother, David James Harris; and nieces and nephew. He also leaves behind childhood best friends, Dana Paul Clayton and James Penny, among others.
Pastor Ervin Gould will be officiating services at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Caves Springs Cemetery, being laid to rest with numerous members of the Harris family. Services are under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden. If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Caves Springs Cemetery Association via mail at: P.O. Box 916, Linden, Texas 75563.
Phil will be greatly missed by many. Reunited in paradise with his sister, he is rejoicing.
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Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Gail sadler
RIP Phil. You will be missed dearly by your family and friends. Go rest high. You have won your race. I will always remember you because you were the second nephew to make me Aunt Laura. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Although no relation Uncle Phil is what we called him. We truly are gonna him we loved him very much. Your family is in our prayers!!!
So sorry to hear. Prayers for the family and his special friends.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my old friend Phil Harris. From working together at Brown and Root, to being neighbors at Canton, to doing business together at San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, many trips to Mexico buying saddles and leather goods, he was a good friend and associate. Phil was a “horse trader” deluxe. He would buy anything he thought would make a dollar and he could sell ice to eskimos. I learned a lot from him and will always cherish our friendship. My condolences to Kathie, Dorothy, David and all of Phil’s family. Rest in peace Phil. You will be remembered.
I never met anyone like Phil and never will.All the stories I have heard over the years. This has been only a small portion of his lively and eventful time on this earth. I met Phil back in the late seventies. I remember when he helped his Dad which Mr. Cap was a one of kind also. He was a good friend and( if )he was your friend his help was always there. When I married Lynn, Phil sweet wife my friend Kathy. She gave me a beautiful purse to take on my honeymoon to Las Vegas. Phil raised a mess of a fit for her giving it to me. (I am being nice we all know what kinda fit he thru). Kathy told him to shut up I needed that purse for good luck. From that point on I pretty much told Phil what I thought about whatever cause Kathy had my back. A true rebel he will be missed and remembered for a long time. Love you Kathy.
Phil was one of those friends you make in grade school that last a lifetime. We played on the same football team and our best times were working with Phil and Dana Paul Clayton at Maybern Hamilton’s Gulf Service station in High School. The 7AM to 7PM shift was hard but if you knew Phil you can imagine the laughs we had. RIP my old friend.
Well, there will never be another Phil Harris…..he truly marched to his own drum and was the master of his world. I met him and Kathie years ago, about 33 now, when i met my husband Bryant Dalby at the San Antonio Rodeo, selling and shaping hats, booth decor, partying and late after rodeo breakfasts. Many great tequila trips to Mexico afterward. For years such fun happened afterward along with setting up at Canton, Row 46, doing the same, enjoying each other’s company, buying and selling. The memories rolled into years, and years took us all apart, as life does. I apologize that we didn’t keep more in touch in the latter, but life happens. Heaven is a whole new place these mornings with the personality of Phil gracing everyone’s presence with his wit, humor and verbage! Truly one of the kindest souls, I’ve ever met, as he’d do or be there for you under any circumstance, it might come with a sermon, but he’d be there. You will be missed, the memories continue, and our funny stories will be told over and over. Peace and love to you Kathie and to the rest of the family!
I love you, cuz.
I wish we could attend the service, but we send our love and prayers. Phil was one of a kind, and he will be missed.