Cliff Harris

Norris or Katmandu – Dr. Cliff Andrew Harris was born in Kansas City, Mo. on December 20, 1942. He died on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 in Norris, TN of the progressive dwindles: A malady that he had valiantly fought with indifference and denial during his final years. Some folks survive him; count them if you can.
Dr. Harris was educated beyond expectation and social prudence. He received a BSEE (TAMU, 65) and a MSEE and PhD EE (U of A, 68, 70), all summa cum laude. And this, alas, was about as good as it was to get. He subsequently vanished into the bowels of a couple of the finer American science/engineering labs (Bell Labs and Sandia Labs), both populated by a lotta' smart and a few brilliant folks. Dr. Harris was but one of the madding crowd of smart engineers who built a few things, received some minor internal recognition, delighted many, irritated a few, and then retired.
Cliff was briefly married in his 30s, his most significant among many social blunders. This, his first marriage, thankfully was soon dissolved to the relief of both. Twenty-five self-indulgent years later, he again ventured into matrimony, and this time he got it right. The real Elvis married Cliff and Trish in Las Vegas on December 31, 2008. This provided a double tax deduction. An extensive list of guests attended via internet only and were entertained by the frivolity, even the electrons were excited. He gained three sons immediately and soon their emerging families and 40 pounds. He enjoyed the new family but not the beer belly.
Socially, Cliff was intermittently gregarious but mostly reclusive. Although he was fascinated by procreation, he sired no children. He was a mediocre but aggressive athlete until his body complained forcefully in his late forties. In mid-life, he became an excellent social dancer by passionate pursuit of wine, women, song, and consequently dance. Pretty much, his primary social trick became dancing. He also once told a lot of jokes of disputable humor, and he did a little fly-fishing. With these few social attributes he acquired many good friends, who perhaps now toast him with a shot of Jack as do the survivors in his extended family. Late in his life, waning of sight, hearing, libido, balance and alcohol tolerance left him with but a faded memory of the joys of dance and fly-fishing. These memories caused his feet to hurt. Toward the end, utterances by his redundant colon often provided his only daily amusement – a delight shared with none.
[Editor's note-Dr. Harris, aka Pappy, aka Uncle Cliff, was remiss in mentioning that he left behind his aforementioned wife, Trish Brewer, and the following gaggle of acquired family that came with that union:
Marc (deceased), spouse Wendy, children Castor, Pollux, Rayne, Liam
Donovan, spouse Jessie, children Cole and spouse Pippa, Casey, Harper
Clint, spouse Mark;
as well members of the beloved Harris clan:
His brother David, spouse Shirley
His sister Janie, spouse Walter
Nephew Rob, spouse Cammie, children Drew, Abby, and Ben
Nephew Cliff.
We regret his error, at least the ones we know about, and last names have been intentionally omitted to protect the innocent.]
A goodbye ceremony will be held on September 15th from 3pm to 5pm at the Lions' Pavillion in Norris.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Norris Lions Club.
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