Elbert Eugene Harris

Elbert Eugene Harris, 85, a lifelong resident of Bogalusa, LA, passed from this life to his eternal home in heaven on September 9, 2025. He was surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter in Prairieville, LA. Elbert was born on February 23, 1940, to James and Helen Smith Harris in Bogalusa, LA. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. The second of five siblings, family was always a priority in his life. He deeply loved his brother and sisters and was always in their corner. Elbert loved the outdoors and grew up fishing the Pearl River and hunting in the surrounding woods. He spent countless hours enjoying these activities with his father, brother, friends, and family and passed this love on to his son. The most important decision in Elbert's life came when he trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a teenager at Union Avenue Baptist Church in Bogalusa. He treasured his godly heritage and the many memories he made there with family and friends. Another great love of Elbert's life was football. That love began when the head coach at Bogalusa High School convinced him that playing football was just as fun as fishing. He found that to be true, excelling in the sport and earning a football scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University. While playing for the Southeastern Lions, Elbert set several records and became well-known among sportswriters, who referred to him with nicknames such as "Mr. Everywhere" and the "Lions' Field General." He was a four-year letterman for the Lions and was inducted into the school's Sports Hall of Fame. Southeastern won two Gulf States Conference championships under Elbert's leadership as quarterback. He also triumphed as a defensive back. Elbert was named NAIA Little All-American for two consecutive years-on both the offensive team (quarterback) and the defensive team (safety). He had the honor of playing in the annual All-American Bowl Game in Tucson, AZ, where he was selected by his teammates to serve as co-captain. Football remained an important part of Elbert's life. Years after his graduation, Southeastern's football program was discontinued for 18 seasons. Through his fundraising efforts and work to build public support, Elbert was instrumental in the return of the Lions football team in 2003. After completing his college education, Elbert returned home to the town and people he loved. He chose a career in finance in which he spent 40 years. He was employed by Magee Financial, where he served as co-manager until his retirement in 2002. Elbert loved America and fulfilled his patriotic duty by serving in the Air National Guard from 1963 to 1969. He was based at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. On April 3, 1966, Elbert married the love of his life, Brenda Alford. They were married for 57 years, until her passing in 2024. Together they enjoyed many happy times-attending ballgames, camping on the Pearl River canal, hosting family gatherings, and serving faithfully as members of First Baptist Church of Bogalusa. He missed Brenda deeply this past year and looked forward to the day they would be reunited. Elbert volunteered on various church committees through the years and was privileged to serve as a deacon from 2008 until his health no longer allowed. One of his favorite roles was delivering meals to sick and homebound church members after Sunday services. A strong supporter of the youth in his community, Elbert could often be found on the canal with his ski boat, teaching young people how to ski. Another way he showed support was by serving on the Camp Fire Girls Board in the 1980s. Elbert will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a loving father, a trusted friend, never met a stranger, always looked for the best in others, and had a special gift for making people feel important. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Alford Harris; his parents, James and Helen Smith Harris; his sisters, Elouise Harris Quave Parker (Walter Quave and David Parker) and Faye Harris Foust (Tommy); his parents-in-law, Bill and Bessie Alford; his sister-in-law, Freda Alford Bennett (Floyd); his nephew, Scott Bennett (Sue); and his great-nephews, Zachary Harris and Anthony Marcello. Elbert is survived by his son, Eric Harris; his daughter, Kristy (Joey) St. Germain; and his only grandson, Hudson Harris-all of Prairieville, LA. He is also survived by his brother, Frank (Jackie) Harris of Bogalusa, and his sister, Mary (Tommy) Aman of Georgia. Additional survivors include nieces Kim (Brian) Lively, Monica (Brad) Triana, Cheryl (Gary) Marcello, Helen (Billy) Cotton, Amy (Dray) Cann, and Amanda Aman; nephews Brent (Judy) Harris, Jonathan Aman, Blake (Susan) Bennett, Gregg (Loretta) Bennett, and Mark (Lauranna) Bennett; many great and great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of lifelong friends, including Ken and Bettye Magee and Dale and Judy Williams. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Bogalusa on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and again on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the service celebrating his life at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Ponemah Cemetery mausoleum. A special note from the family: We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge, Dr. Brian Galafaro, and Dr. Lauren Groves for the care and respect shown to our daddy. We also extend sincere thanks to First Baptist Church of Bogalusa for their visits, prayers, and continued inclusion in the life of the church. We have truly been blessed by the support and love we've received throughout this journey. Most importantly, we rejoice in knowing that Daddy is now with Jesus, experiencing the eternal life He promised. We find great comfort in knowing that Mama and Daddy are together again. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to First Baptist Church of Bogalusa in Elbert's memory, since he loved his church so dearly.