Herman Bruce HARRIS

HARRIS, Herman Bruce Of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California passed away peacefully at his home early Sunday morning, November 7, 2010 after a long illness. He was surrounded by family and friends. Bruce was born on March 5, 1917. He graduated from L.A. High School, and immediately enrolled at U.C.L.A. He majored in Business, minored in Music, was a member of Phi Psi Fraternity, sang in the Glee Club, and played on the U.C.L.A. Tennis Team. Bruce graduated from U.C.L.A. in 1939. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force, and received his officer's commission in South Carolina. He was assigned to the Hal Roach Studios where he directed military training films. He remained in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. After the war, Bruce performed as a soloist and in chorales for the Earl Carroll Theatre, the most popular of the Hollywood ballrooms. He also sang in various films, including Fantasia. Bruce worked for Organon, Inc., a large, international Dutch pharmaceutical company with American headquarters in Orange, New Jersey. Initially a salesman, Bruce advanced over the years to Western Sales Manager and continued with the company for over twenty years. Bruce married Caroline Smythe Parks of Parksacres, Trimble, Tennessee on April 10, 1948. After a honeymoon in Mexico City, they made their home in Los Angeles, California where they lived thereafter. Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Caroline, son Randall Parks Bruce Harris of Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, daughter Heather Harris of Van Nuys, California, and two grandchildren, Randall's son Emerson Parks Tumey Harris of Nashville, Tennessee and Randall's daughter Alexandra Tumey Harris of San Mateo, California. Graveside services will be at the family Parks/Pierce Cemetery in Trimble, Tennessee. A memorial service will be announced later to be held at Westwood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles.