Mr. Don Harris

Don Harris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at his home in Oxford, Alabama. He was 74 years old. Donald Carl Harris was born in 1948 to parents Florence and Sidney Harris. His young life was spent in his childhood home in Weaver with his only brother Steve. He attended Weaver schools and graduated from Jacksonville High School. While working for Coca-Cola, he met the love of his life, Peggy Coffey, on his delivery route at Sears where she worked as the parts department manager. They married in 1970 after a whirlwind three-week courtship. They loved and raised their family together for the next 50+ years. He thrived in a sales career that started with cars and later transitioned to insurance. With the support and encouragement of Peggy, he took a leap of faith and began a career with Liberty National Life Insurance in 1979 as a Sales Agent. After proving himself as an agent, he worked his way up the ladder to branch manager. He was entrusted with his first office in 1981. After 25 years managing five branches, he was then promoted to Regional Vice President in 2006. There is no way to know how many careers he launched, including his own nephew, Steve, who has carried on his legacy with a successful career of his own at Liberty National. Don retired after a truly incredible 33 year career filled with achievement and integrity. Before his stroke in 2013, he faithfully attended Mount Zion Baptist Church of Huntsville, AL. Once he started traveling for work, Don and Peggy made the switch from back row baptists to the second row. Don always joked that Peggy wanted him up front to make sure he was listening before he went on the road for the week. He had a wonderful relationship with his pastor and church friends, who were all faithful supporters during his stroke recovery. After his stroke, Don was told he would never walk again. Being the most determined, positive, and stubborn human being to ever walk the planet, he started walking within days of arriving at Lakeshore Rehab Facility. Even though he was paralyzed completely on his left side, he continued to enjoy his family and a full life for another 9 years. He and Peggy built a home in Oxford, AL after 25 years in Huntsville, designed specifically for him to enjoy. Don peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. While work was his passion, family was his heart and soul. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother. On this side of Heaven, he leaves behind his beloved bride, Peggy; his son Sid (Pam) and daughter Kay. His gaggle of grandchildren will greatly miss hearing him call out their nicknames: Whitney (Partner), Ashley (Wild Child) & Eric, Danielle (Blossom), Trey (Trey Man) & Shelby, Andrew (Main Man), Donnie (Don Juan) and honorary granddaughter Miranda. His four legged buddy, Rowdy Boy will miss his Papaw “accidentally” dropping food on the floor for him. Don’s life will be honored with a funeral service at Miller Funeral Home in Oxford, AL on Friday, August 12th at 4pm. Immediately following the service, all are welcome to attend a time of story-telling, food, and fellowship in the adjacent event center.

Tributes

Mr. Don Harris

August 20, 1948 - August 9, 2022