Kenneth A. Harris

Kenneth Arnold Harris passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, December 5, 2022 at the age of seventy-two. After a lengthy illness with cancer, he left this world in peace, with Louise, his wife of forty-six years, at his bedside.

Kenny was born in Birmingham on May 01,1950 to Florence and C.B. Harris. He had one brother, Howard. Now, his family of origin is together again on the other side of glory.

Kenny graduated from Woodlawn High School and attended Auburn University where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, played basketball and earned an accounting degree. He remained a War Eagle fan as he created a life of dedication with Louise (nee Mathews) whom he married on December 30, 1976. Together they became the loving parents of eldest daughter Amy (husband Chris and son Jackson), daughter Brooke (husband Kevin and daughter Izzy), eldest son Jeff (wife Theresa and daughter Audrey), and the youngest son Bill (wife Ashley).

During the 1970’s and 80’s, Kenny held a career as an accountant. In the 1990’s, he chose to leave a corporate desk and follow his enthusiasm for used automobile repair and sales by opening his own business and becoming his own boss. When it came to problem solving, mechanics, or a life skill, he was a natural aficionado. These tools he taught to his children with a firm belief in the value of hard work, wise choices, and the bedrock of Christian faith.

Kenny was a simple man. You would see him in his daily uniform of a white polo, white sneakers, khaki pants, and a smile. He was a soul who could easily see the joy found in the little things: a loyal dog, shooting hoops on the court by his garage, a bowl of handpicked pecans, pool parties for his children’s teams, a kettle of barbecue beans on the stove, reruns of Gunsmoke, a jog around the neighborhood, sports radio, a pour of scotch from a bottle still wrapped in a brown paper bag, singing country classics, beach days alone with Louise, and his kitchen jukebox filled with records he handpicked. Nothing meant more to him than providing for his family and making Louise happy. He is deeply missed and forever remembered.

Per Kenny’s wish, no public service will be held. His family will gather to hold a private celebration of his life, which is likely to commence with a karaoke ode to one of his favorite juke songs - G3.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Harris family.