Larry Harris Has Passed Away

Larry Harris

November 20, 1943 — June 5, 2024

Larry Alan Harris, 81, born November 20,1943 in Childress, Texas, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Saint Marys Hospital in Russellville, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Joyce Harris and his wife of 44 years, Karen Sue Harris. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Stacey Harris, Shelley Watson (Tim) and grandchildren, Alison Buss (Eric), Stetson Watson and Jared Watson.

Larry has been a member of M.E.N.C., O.M.E.A, O.B.A., Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha. He Held a BM-ED Degree from West Texas State University and a Master in Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

He was a band director at Muleshoe, Tx, Altus, Ok and Vega, Tx. During his 26 years as Altus Band Director, the band enjoyed a state wide reputation as a program dedicated to excellence. Larry’s Altus Band received the O.S.S.A.A. sweepstakes honor 18 times in the 24 years he was there. Larry was honored in 1986 as the Oklahoma Bandmaster of the Year. He also served as O.M.E.A. Band Vice President, All-State Band Chairman and as Chairman of the O.S.S.A.A. prescribed concert band music list. In 1993, he was inducted into the bandmasters Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

Larry loved fishing, collecting guns and spending time with his family.

A Celebration of Life service will be in the Russellville Family Funeral Chapel on Tuesday the 11th from 5-7pm. This is a Come and Go event.

Arrangements are under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral.