Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marvin L. “Tom” Harris – Obituary

Marvin-L-Tom-Harris-1416671304Marvin L. “Tom” Harris, 79, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Friday evening, November 21, 2014, at 9:20 p.m. at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.

Tom was born March 17, 1935 in Golconda, Illinois.  He was the son of Oren and Tressie (Buchanan) Harris.

On May 8, 1978, Tom was united in marriage to Juanita Eveland at Kankakee, Illinois.  She survives.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by: his children – Lula (James) Bessette, Marvin (Carolyn) Harris, Dennis (Kaye) Harris, Gerald Alan Raburn all of Vienna, George Aaron (Daniella) Harris of Kankakee, Scott Harris of Anna, and Teresa (Raymond) Pearl of Vienna. Tom was blessed with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  Additionally, he is survived by a sister – Wilma Belford of Metropolis; a brother – Clyde Harris of Bourbonnais; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by: 2 grandsons – Devon and Nicholas; a great granddaughter – Ella Mae; a brother – Alvin Harris, a sister – Iona Strater, and a cousin, who Tom loved like a brother – Wendall Smith.

Tom was employed as a security officer at the Clyde Choate Mental Health Center in Anna.  He retired with 20 years service.  Tom also enjoyed farming.

Tom was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church near Cypress.  He had a deep love for his family and was never happier than when sitting on his porch spending time with his grandchildren.  Tom was richly blessed with musical talent.  He was a gifted guitarist and enjoyed singing.  Tom was also a songwriter and had written the former Top 10 hit “Holding Her and Loving You” made famous by Earl Thomas Conley.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday evening, November 24, 2014, at 7 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.  Pastor Jay Franklin will officiate.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, 949 County Road 1300 North, Carmi, Illinois 62821.

To share a memory of Tom or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com