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Tyree Harris Obituary


Tyree W. Harris, a businessman, community leader, and long-time Merritt Island resident, died on March 17th in his home at La Casa. He was 91.

Mr. Harris was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He played on DuPont Manual High's national championship football team in 1938, and later played at Univ. of Kentucky. During World War II he served in the U. S. Navy aboard a PT boat in the Philippine Islands. He served aboard a PT boat in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a sales manager at Louisville Motors before moving to Cocoa in 1955, to open Ty Harris Buick. He also appraised and developed real estate, distributed fuel oil and

owned an automobile dealership in Sebring. He was a Rotarian, a Jaycee and director of the Chamber of Commerce.

He became active on the Board of Trustees of Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital in 1958, serving as President from 1978 until 1980. He remained a dedicated board member into the 1990's, but resigned after suffering a stroke. He and his wife, Phyllis Van Slyke Harris, who survives him, completed their first home on Merritt Island in 1957, later moving to a cottage on the south end of the island. If you

crossed over Mathers Bridge, east to west at Christmastime, you couldn't help but notice

the big white star Ty created and set on his dock as a gift to all. A member of the Indian River Yacht Club, Melbourne Yacht Club and the East Coast

Sailing Association, he sailed the Indian River and throughout the West Indies with his first and last mate, Phyllis.

Other survivors include his four children, Dr. Sharon Muret-Wagstaff of Boston, MA, Tyree Harris (Judy) of Indialantic, Bruce Harris of Austin, TX and Dr. Sally Sange (Michael Towers), also of Merritt Island; two sisters, Mary Walton Mayshark of Thornton, NH and Susan Wilburn of Louisville; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. His sister, Harriet Weller; and brother, A.B. Harris, predeceased him.

Many thanks to Drs. Killeavy and Wanich for their expert care during his lifetime and to La Casa and Dr. Schneider, for providing comfort during his last days.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18th at the Melbourne Yacht Club at 11:00 AM to celebrate and remember his life. His many friends will be welcome there.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice in his name.

Published by FloridaToday on May 11, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Tyree Harris

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Sherry and Ty,

You have my deepest sympathy and condolences in the passing of your Dad. Even though I only met him a few times I remember his gracious manner and sincerity.

Charlie Butler

May 22, 2013

Ty was a major player in the United Way and was a big help to me. He had a true grasp of need for social services County.

Jim Luce, United Way of Brevard, retired.

May 13, 2013

Phylis and family, so sorry I will not be in town or the memorial but know that my memories of our time together will forever bring a smile to my heart. Warm thoughts and prayers. Wanda Wenner-Schultz

May 12, 2013

Sherry and Ty very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My dad bought his first buick from Mr Harris.I saw you both at last school reunion after many years.Your friend and classmate Shirley Smith Small. Conway,S.C.

May 11, 2013

Ty, you will be missed! I remember the years you worked at my Dad's office and the great friend you were to him for such a long time. You and Phyllis were the best!! Bari Bryant

Bari Bryant

May 11, 2013

Sorry to hear of Ty's "passing". I had "lost track" of him, but always considered him as one of my favorite friends - always projecting a "laid back, make you feel good" personality, as he "sold" the Buicks, & I, (with Barnett Bank), handled a "bunch" of the retail financing. It was certainly a privilege, as well as pleasure, to have known Ty. May we extend our condolences to the family.

Bill Chumley

May 11, 2013

Know he will be dearly missed. What wonderful memories. Many blessing

Barbara McLeroy

May 11, 2013

Ty and Sherry, please accept my condolences regarding the passing of your father.

Spencer Payne

May 11, 2013

The Harris Family. My condolences for your loss. Having known him as a friend, and summer job employer he was always there with a smile, advice and inspiration. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Bill Hardy

May 11, 2013

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