Fred "AL" Allen Harris

On August 5, 2024, Fred Allen (Al) Harris peacefully departed this earthly life to be with the Lord. He was born to Henderson Harris and Alider Walls Harris on June 15, 1949. Known affectionately as “Al,” he was the second child of seven children to that union: Stella Sanders (Chicago), David (Karen), Paula, Michael (Barbara), Teresa Wallace (Harold), and Sidney (Cheryl)- Memphis, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents. He graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School in 1967 and attended both The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) for three years.

Al married JoElla (Jo) Cobb on September 17, 1977, and the union was blessed with four children: Ondrej (Torsha), Ryan, April-Memphis, TN, and Jasmine-Memphis, TN. They were also blessed with five grandchildren: Kendrick, Riyah, Torin, Ondreja, and Orlando, and two great-grandchildren: Ke’Niyah and Kennadi. He also leaves behind his Aunt Emma Jean Dean, Aunt Christine Harris, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Al accepted Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church-Pankey Addition. He was a member of Pilgrim Valley Baptist Church for many years where he faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and member of the male chorus and choir. Al was blessed with a beautiful singing voice for which he shared with others during his time in the male chorus and choir. He later relocated to Memphis, TN where he became a member of Grace Free Will Baptist Church. He loved different genres of music and was an avid reader. Al also spent many years coaching girls’ softball, as a young man and later in life after having his own children. He positively impacted the lives of many young girls who continue to express their appreciation, even today, for his contributions to their lives. One of his greatest passions was his love of stone and masonry work. Al dedicated most of his life to the craft and established a stone and masonry business for which he and his brothers served both the Greater Little Rock and Greater Memphis areas. He later returned to UALR for landscape design, which correlated with his business. Much of their work can still be seen through the city of Little Rock in places such as Rebsamen and Boyle Parks, River Ridge, Pleasant Valley, Kensington Place, Twin Lakes, Chenal, and Pecan Lake; just to name a few. 

Although Al and JoElla divorced in 1993, he spoke many times with his children on how he would always care about “Jo”. They reunited in holy matrimony on June 3, 2018; after more than 23 years apart. This was a testament of the power of God through forgiveness, his will to maintain the family unit, and how deeply both still cared for one another. Everyone knew how dedicated Al was to his children, as he remained diligent in his role as a father until his final days. He shared a special relationship with his children, and deeply valued his family. One of his favorite hobbies was taking pictures, and he reiterated throughout the years the importance of capturing family moments for “posterity’s sake.” How valuable these photos are now that he has transitioned, and we are left with all the beautiful memories. He was loved and respected by many in both the Little Rock and Memphis areas and will be deeply missed.