Wilba Hugh Harris

Dr. WILBA HUGH HARRIS – born Sept 16, 1925 - died August 4, 2010. Dr. Harris was saved at age 14 at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Darden, TN. He surrendered to preach in 1945 while serving in the Army on Iwo Jima. The Antioch Baptist Church of Little Rock ordained him on June 11, 1947. He married Theresa Russo May 9, 1947, she passed away in 1977. Dr. Harris married Pauline Hensley Neil May 12, 1979. They were married at the time of his death. Dr. Harris graduated from the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock with a Graduate and Masters degree in Bible languages. He received the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Oklahoma Missionary Baptist Institute in July of 1976. He also received an honorary Dr. of Divinity degree from the Florida Baptist Schools of Lakeland, FI in 1985. His 1st pastorate was the Locust Grove Baptist Church in Arkansas. He served here from 1946-1948. Other churches he served were: Bold Springs Baptist Church of Strawberry, Ark (1948-1950), Mt. View B.C. of Cave City, Ark (1948-1952), 1st R.C. of Greenville, Florida (1952-1956), Eastside B.C. of Mulberry, Florida (1956-1978), Westwood B.C. of Winter Haven, Florida (1978-1979), Missouri Avenue B.C. of Clearwater, Florida, Avondale B.C. of savannah, Georgia. Dr. Harris served as Dean of Florida Baptist Institute and Seminary of Lakeland, Florida from 1957-1970, as President from 1970-1979, and as instructor from 1956-1981. He served as Moderator of the Springs River Association in Arkansas; Moderator of the Florida State Association of Missionary Baptist Churches; and member of the Missionary Committee for the American Baptist Association. Dr. Harris also served as the Vice President of the Blessed Hope Foundation located in Lakeland, Florida. He was in the ministry for 63 years. Dr. Harris was widely used as a Conference and revival speaker across the U.S. Pastors and Missionaries all over the world have been influenced and taught under his leadership and guidance. A warrior has fallen ...yet raised in the presence of the Lord. Dr. Harris is survived by his loving Wife, Pauline Harris (Knoxville); Sister, Sue Chism and husband Barry (Greenbrier, TN); Son, Paul David Harris and wife Connie (Tulsa, Oklahoma); Son, James Allen Harris and wife Stacy (Wauchula, Florida); Step-daughters, Rozell Walker and Joyce Seals, husband Eugene Seals both of Knoxville; 13 Grandchildren; 17 Great grandchildren; and 1 Great-great granddaughter. The family offers deep appreciation the staffs of Caris Hospice and U.T. Hospital for their wonderful and compassionate care.

Tributes

Wilba Hugh Harris

September 16, 1925 - August 4, 2010