Paul Leroy Harris, 77, of Crescent City, CA, passed peacefully at home in his sleep on August 29, 2023. Paul was born in Shawnee, OK in 1946 to Hershel Paul Harris and Jewell Mae Chastain. Paul began his service in the United States Army at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged in 1966. Succeeding his service he met the love of his life, Brenda, and they married in 1968. They then moved to Crescent City where Paul worked 20 years for Simpson Timber Company as a Heavy Equipment Operator. After Simpson Timber Company shut down, he then dedicated the next 20 years to Redwood National Parks where he was awarded the Director’s Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Stewardship through Maintenance in 2001, traveled to numerous places in their service, and retired as the Foreman of the Roads Dept in 2009.
Paul was an active member of 47 years and a past exalted ruler for Crescent City Elks Lodge BPOE #1689. He participated in many Elk’s functions and parties and was a proud coach of many of the rituals where they trained for State and District Competitions.
Paul was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends, an incredible storyteller, loved to dance to Bob Seager, had a sense of humor like no other, and loved his family most of all.
Paul was preceded in death by Father Hershell Harris, Mother Jewel Chastain, and Sister Barbara Williams. He is survived by wife of 55 years Brenda Harris, Daughters Laura Harris and Michelle Jacobs, Grandchildren Brendon Edwards (Jordan Edwards), Morgan Haddad (Skiler Haddad), Jessica Messenger (Tristan Messenger), Enedina Jacobs, Great Grandchildren Matthew Edwards, Isaac Haddad, and Kadence Edwards and numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Per his wishes, there will be no services held.