Kenneth L. Harris Sr., founder of Harris Tire Co. in Troy, Ala., died Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, at Troy Regional Medical Center. He was 87.
Harris was born Jan. 15, 1931. Armed with experience and knowledge gained from working in the oil industry, he opened his namesake wholesale tire dealership in 1966. The company has since added wholesale distribution centers in Huntsville, Ala.; Ocala, Fla.; Jackson, Miss.; Atlanta; and Charlotte. The six warehouses service tire dealers in nine Southeast states. "Harris knew the importance of looking for ways to continue to grow his business," says the company's website.
"From day one Harris Tire Co. has sought to provide a customer first experience, while at the same time offering quality products at competitive prices. Fast forward 52 years, and you will still find that Harris Tire Co. is providing that same service today."
The third-generation family business sells Cooper, Duro, Galaxy, Multi-Mile (plus other TBC Corp. brands), PrimeX and Sumitomo tires.
Harris is survived by his children, Gary Berry (Deborah), Kenneth L. Harris Jr. (Vonda), Lisa Wheeler (Gary); his grandchildren, Jennifer Senn (Charlie), Jason Berry (Blair), Shaunna West, Lance Wheeler (Sara), Eden Lunn (Jeremy), Ethan Harris (Emily); six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sylvia Schemansky.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Harris, and brother, Donald Bryant.
For more information on Harris, and to view a video tribute, click here.
