Wendell Preston Harris, Jr. 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 7, 2024. Born to Wendell P. Harris, Sr. and Sylvia Nolan Harris on October 2, 1940, he was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School, where he played all sports but excelled in football. He graduated in 1958 and entered Louisiana State University as a proud Tiger. He played football there at a high level and was the #1 draft choice of the Baltimore Colts. He played for years with the Colts and then the New York Giants. When he was off the field, he spent time gardening and landscaping or as he called it “working in the yard.”
He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wendell and Sylvia. He was married to Freddie Deblieux (deceased) and had two children, Kimberley Harris Smith and Wendell P. Harris, III "Bubbie." He is also survived by his sister, Pam Harris Thompson (Mike). He then married Mary Kibler Harris and was married for 44 years. Her five children, Vickie Duet (Jerry), Jesse Kibler (deceased), Terry Pantinople (Justin), Sharon Reeves (Kevin), Christa Carlino (Johnny), as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren, were loved and treated by him as his own.
Pallbearers are Stacey Moak, Jimmy Field, Jim “Pie” Starnes, Gus Kinchen, Brandon Pantinople, Aaron Carlino, Wesley Carlino, Kevin Reeves, Jacob Pantinople and Paxton Pantinople.
Thanks to his special granddaughter, Rachel Pantinople, who loved him and took wonderful care of him over the past few years as he struggled with dementia from a CTE. Also, a special thanks to Ann Bolton with Pinnacle Hospice as well as The Pearl at Jamestown Senior Living Facility, where he spent the last year.
Funeral services will be held at Rabenhorst Downtown, on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until service at 1:00, followed by burial at Roselawn Cemetery, 4045 North Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806.
To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com
