Millard "Mel" Harris

Millard "Mel" Harris, age 86, passed away on September 15, 2016. Mel was born and raised in Brewton, Alabama and attended broadcasting school in Tennessee. He returned home and worked in broadcasting for several years, then joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Mel relocated to DeRidder, LA to work for West Brother's Department Store. He then joined the staff of the First Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA and established the church's first television ministry. Mel continued his broadcasting career, including time spent at KJAE FM located in Leesville, LA. While there, he handled gospel programming and hosted the well-known program entitled the "Swap Shop". He also promoted many gospel concerts during this time. He retired from KJAE in 2014.At one time, Mel taught televised Sunday School classes for the First Baptist Church in Leesville, LA, where he was a member for many years. He served on the Vernon Parish School Board for 11 years and volunteered his time and energy to numerous community charities.Mel was preceded in death by his mother and father, Stella Thompson Harris and George Harris. He is survived by his sons, Johnny Harris of Brewton, Alabama and Rick Harris of Norwich, England. He is likewise survived by his daughters Patsy Lato of Spring, Texas, as well as Pam Harris of Leesville, LA and Kaylee Evans, also of Leesville, LA. Mel leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. He also has one Brother, Roy Harris and his wife Barbara, from Brewton, Alabama. Two sisters, Viola Harris from Keystone Heights, Florida and Betty Hoffman and her husband Rodger also from Key Stone Heights, Florida. Visitation will be held at Labby Memorial in Leesville, LA on Wednesday, September 21st 2016, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Leesville, LA on Thursday September 22, 2016 at 2:00 PM.