Kermit Earl Harris, age 73 of Hohenwald, TN, departed from this life on May 14, 2024, after a short illness at Maury Regional Center in Columbia, TN. The son of Kermit Hugh Harris and Tacy Garnet Lynch Harris, he was born on July 25, 1950, in Parkersburg, West “By God” Virginia, and later moved to Beckley, West Virginia, where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Beckley College, earning an associate of arts degree, West Virginia University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then Abilene Christian College, earning a Master of Science degree.

Throughout his life, he had a variety of jobs: working in the coal mine, construction, driving trucks, and even running moonshine. Kermit joined the Air Force in 1970, in which he served 38 years, 2 months, and 11 days, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his career, he was stationed at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; Chanute AFB, Illinois; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Lakenheath RAFB, England; Dyess AFB, Texas; and Selfridge ANGB, Michigan. Kermit received a Senatorial Proclamation for serving in our nation’s conflicts from Vietnam until 2008.

After retiring from the Air Force, he worked in the public sector as the Director of Veterans Services for Macomb County, Michigan. As Director, he implemented a new tracking procedure for veterans’ claims. The prior format used an antiquated numerical system, making it difficult to locate files. While converting the files to the new system, he obtained the approval of the county sheriff to utilize the assistance of county jail inmates in completing the project. He was instrumental in developing a pilot program with the MI Department of Health and Human Services, along with Senior Services, in assisting Veterans with getting all the benefits they were entitled to from all the departments. Kermit obtained accreditation with the Veterans Administration to represent Veterans and adjudicate their claims through the Court of Appeals.

He found his niche here in Hohenwald, attending the Hohenwald United Methodist Church and becoming part of the Men’s Group. He volunteered time for the County Food Bank, delivering Second Harvest supplies with Tony Kozlinski. He belonged to the Lewis County Veterans and American Legion. He attended many community activities like Rock the Block, Bingo at Lewis & Clark’s, Family Feud and Trivia at Casa Grande, participating in the Memorial and Veterans events, and always went to the fair.
Kermit is survived by his wife, Joy Lynette (House) Harris, of Hohenwald. Children: Kermit J. Harris (Meaghan) of Grand Rapids, MI; Aundrea T. Peterson. Stepchildren: Ashley M. Kocovski (Petar) of Dearborn Heights, MI; Benjamin A. Roark (Miranda) of Chesterfield, MI; Carson M. Manning (Noel) of Chesterfield, MI; Jacob A. Dumire of Chesterfield, MI. Grandchildren: Kermit M. Harris (Angelyn) of Grand Rapids, MI; Lexie R. Harris of Grand Blanc, MI; Alexander M. Peterson of Fowlerville, MI. Step-grandchildren: Kyla R. Roark of Chesterfield, MI; Ivan and Lili Kocovski of Dearborn Heights, MI; Aurora G. and Ophelia J. Manning of Chesterfield, MI. Sister: Lelah Cunningham (Brian) of Nashville, TN. Stepmother: Ruth (Soto) Harris of Hermitage, TN. Close friends: Doug and Cathy Dewitt of Hohenwald, TN; John and Vonnie Whitworth of Shelby Township, MI; and Kathryn Ann Workman Kozlinski of Kimmins, TN.

He was predeceased by both his parents and his first wife and mother of his children, Pamela (Stark) Harris, and close friend Anthony E. Kozlinski.

Visitation with friends and family will begin at 5:00 PM on Monday, May 20, 2024 at McDonald Funeral Home – Lewis County with a pinning ceremony beginning at 6:45 PM and a Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. A private burial will take place in the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Maury Regional Health Center, NHC-Maury Regional Transitional Care Center, and Compassus for all the wonderful staff that showed Kermit nothing but respect, dignity, and love all through these last couple of months. You all are truly angels on this earth.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Veterans organization or charity of your choice.

McDonald Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Harris family.