Lee Allen Harris, age 92, of Scottsdale, AZ died on September 18, 2020. Lee was born June 19, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska, the youngest child of Reuben and Tibbie Harris. During his boyhood, Lee learned the fundamentals of business by working with his father and brothers, Norman and Irvin, after school and during summers at Harris Quality Market in Omaha. By age 13, he was driving the family's 1936 Dodge panel truck to deliver grocery orders to customers. Lee graduated from North High School in Omaha and The University of Nebraska in 1950 with a degree in business administration. While at school, he was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, a sports writer for the university newspaper, and President of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.
Lee married Betty Gilman, the love of his life on February 12, 1950. He proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the Korean War from 1951-1952. He was in battle in Korea for 17 months with the 40th Division, 160th Regiment, Third Battalion, M Company of the California National Guard before returning home to Betty.
Upon return from Korea, Lee worked as an assistant store manager at Goldblatt's Department Store in Chicago. He had a successful business career as Vice President of G.E.M. Department Stores and then President of Site Oil Company in St. Louis, MO. The family moved to Scottsdale in 1982 where Lee owned Rayco Car Service. He worked alongside sons Mike and Bill, eventually acquiring nine car service centers with 76 employees.
Lee was a devoted and loving husband to Betty for 67 years and a wonderful father to their three sons. Throughout his life, he had a positive influence and the ability to bring out the best in those lives he touched. He will be remembered for his toughness, courage, and kindness. He possessed a remarkable ability to make good things happen and get the job done. Lee had a strong faith in God. He was an active member and past President of Temple Solel. During his tenure, he directed the Temple Solel sanctuary remodeling and school building project.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Gilman Harris, parents Rueben and Tibbie Harris, and brothers Norman and Irvin Harris. He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Harris (Fran) of Jacksonville, FL, Steven Harris (Terri Lynn) of Indianapolis, IN, Bill Harris (Terri Ann) of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren Scott Harris, Greg Harris, Jennifer Harris Palmer, (Kyle Palmer), Elizabeth Harris (Moshe Praver), Kevin Harris, Michelle Harris Lucas (David Lucas), Jeph Harris; great-grandchildren Mason and Andrew Palmer, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted by Rabbi John Linder at Green Acres, Scottsdale, AZ on September 24th, 2020 at 8:30 am followed by a gravesite service with military honors. Memorial contributions may be directed to Temple Solel, 6805 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, AZ 85253.
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