Robert Henry Harris

Robert Henry Harris, was born November 11, 1932, in Great Falls, Montana. During his early teenage years, Bob discovered a love for boxing. Before the age of 17, he was competing in national boxing tournaments.

At 17, Bob joined the United States Navy, where he continued his boxing career. During his time in the Navy, he fought 103 bouts and was victorious in 93 of them. He proudly served his country for 20 years, including service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and ultimately retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2.

In 1961, Bob was given orders to revamp the Celestial Navigation program at the University of Texas at Austin. He successfully completed that assignment and remained at the university as a professor for two years.

While serving in the Navy, Bob met the love of his life, Verna Lee Harris. The two were married on the dock of Pearl Harbor in July 1958 and remained faithfully devoted to one another for 68 years, until Verna went home to be with the Lord in May 2026.

Bob will be remembered for his strength, dedication, service, and, most of all, his devotion to his beloved Verna and his family.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Hank and Julia Harris, and his wife Verna Harris . He is survived by his sister in law, Gracie Callaway of Whitney and brother in law, Roland Taylor of Kerrville, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Bob’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Sandy Arnold, Tammy Arnold, and Wings over Texas Hospice for the loving care they provided to Bob.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nate’s Shoes Foundation at the Church of Christ in Whitney, Texas, or to Wings over Texas Hospice.