Kennie Harris

Kennie “Shorty” Harris, 90, passed away on March 9, 2010, after a short battle with cancer. Shorty was born to parents Minor Iverson and Amanda Elizabeth Harris on Sept. 11, 1919, in Hamlin, Texas.

Shorty was preceded in death by two sons: Ross Cooper “Cookie” Harris and Kennie Wayne Harris; he is also preceded in death by one stepdaughter, Karen Woehls, one s

tepson, Gene Petty, and his beloved dog, Sissy, who was his best friend. Sissy was replaced by Reba, who quickly won his heart and ran his household.

Shorty is survived by his daughters, Joyce Hill and Judy Lowe, both of Austin, Texas; stepson, Joe Petty and wife, Jan, of Bateman, Texas; stepson-in-law Bobby Woehls and wife, Bonnie, of Bastrop, Texas; stepdaughter-in-law, Cherlene Petty, of Bateman, Texas; sister, Elaine Rader, of Bateman, Texas; and sister-in-law Dorothy Harris, of Bateman, Texas. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren; 9 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Shorty served in the United States Army during World War II in the Battery C 772d Field Artillery Battalion. He was the Number One Machine Gunner, and was honorably discharged with EAME Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and two Overseas Service Bars. Shorty was a lifetime member of the Pilot Knob VFW, as well as the Bateman Baptist Church.

Shorty worked in oil fields at numerous locations before becoming a carpenter, which he retired from in the 80s. After his retirement his time was devoted to taking care of his land, cattle and dog. He always planted a huge garden, which he got so much pleasure from just to be able to give it away to his friends and neighbors. Another thing Shorty enjoyed was picking up his sister and driving her to Siedel’s Grocery for coffee and to visit with friends.

The family would like to thank Hospice Austin for the care they provided and the many hugs they gave at each visit. In lieu of flowers the family request a memorial contribution made to Hospice Austin or American Cancer Society.

Graveside services were held on Friday, March 12, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Bateman Cemetery, in Bateman, Texas, with Brother Jeff Jones of Bateman Baptist Church officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Ronnie Cast, Jimmy Harris, Jeffrey Harris, Zachary Harris, and Jeremy Petty. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders.

A fellowship followed the services at Bateman Baptist Church.

All arrangements were with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 S. Main St., Lockhart, Texas 78644. (512) 398-2343.