Samuel Ernest Harris

Samuel Ernest Harris, affectionately known as Sam, entered his final rest on August 5, 2026. Born on October 7, 1943, Sam lived a life grounded in family, hard work, and a deep love for country living.

Sam attended grade school in St. Louis and held the unique honor of being the only boy among six sisters—five older and one younger. Growing up in this family shaped him into a compassionate, friendly, and thoughtful man who understood and appreciated the women in his life and the world around him. He was raised in a large household on Washington Avenue with extended family and was deeply influenced by his grandmother, his mother, affectionately called “Be-Bop,” and his father. He later attended Soldan High School, where he formed lifelong friendships with Hiram, George, Ronald, Wayne, and Willie. Sam also honorably served his country in the United States Army.

Sam’s family owned a taxicab company and was considered blessed and unique at a time when Black entrepreneurs were underrepresented in the business world. His father worked hard to ensure that his children received a strong education and a solid start in life. Sam attended Harris-Stowe State College and later built a career at McDonnell Douglas, which became Boeing, where he worked until retirement. Because of his passion for farming and country living, he also farmed row crops and raised cattle, hogs, and sheep while working full-time at Boeing and supporting his family. After retirement, Sam did not sit idle; he founded Harris-Westplex Transportation, which became one of his most successful business ventures. All the children worked in the business at some point, and Heath later assumed the CEO role.

Sam was always present for his children—as a coach, 4-H leader, mentor, and friend. Throughout his life, he also served as a positive male role model for many other children, offering encouragement, guidance, fatherly advice, and care to neighborhood youth who needed protection, attention, or simply someone to listen. He was not known as a harsh disciplinarian; instead, he supported his wife in parenting with patience and steadiness. Sam rarely said “no” and was known as a peacemaker who could be counted on to be fair, calm, and level-headed in any difficult situation, whether involving work, family, friends, or business matters. His faith was steadfast and Sam was a member of Church on The Rock and enjoyed volunteering in the Recorded Media Department for many years.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy; his sons, Sam, and Heath; his daughters, DeVon and Denise; his daughter-in-law, LaShonda; and his grandchildren, Andrew, Justin, Mackenzie, and Samuel “Nick”. He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn “Snookie,” Geraldine “Genie,” and Margaret “Frieda,” along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earline, and Hosea, and by his sisters, Ruth “Baby Girl,” Martha “Puddin’,” and Ernestine “Ernie.”

In the 1970s, Sam moved his family to the farm at 584 Buckner Road in Wentzville, Missouri, where he found great joy in working the land. He raised row crops, bred cattle, swine, and sheep, and cared for horses, chickens, and ducks. With its rolling pastures and two ponds, the farm was his pride and joy—a place where he felt deeply at peace in the serene quiet of home.

Our love and memories of Sam will remain steadfast throughout every season. As long as the sun rises, the rain falls, and the world continues to turn, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His kindness, strength, and devotion to family created a legacy that time cannot diminish. Though we will miss his presence, we will always carry his love forward in our stories, in our laughter, and in the quiet moments when we feel him near.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life and love of Samuel Ernest Harris. We are grateful for the years, the memories, the laughter, the lessons, and the legacy he leaves behind. Comfort his family and friends in their sorrow, strengthen them in the days ahead, and surround them with Your peace. May Sam rest safely in Your eternal care, and may his spirit continue to live on through the love he gave and the lives he touched. Amen.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 

- Romans 8:28