Wendell Wilkie Harris

Wendell Wilkie Harris, age 80, passed away on August 19, 2018 at his residence with his loving wife of 55 years by his side.

Wendell was born on June 7, 1938 in Columbia, Tennessee to the late Sam Harris and Nora Rose. He was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church. As a 31 year veteran of the Maury County Sheriff’s Department and the Columbia Police Department, he was involved in the investigation of many of Maury County’s notable criminal cases. He and his police dog “Devil” were the first K-9 unit for the Columbia Police Department and the Maury County Sheriff’s Department. Wendell was one of the few remaining Sheriff Deputies who served at the time of the tragic Maury County Jail fire. In addition to his service in law enforcement Wendell also served 10 years in the National Guard. For many years he was actively involved in coaching and umpiring for the Columbia Girls Fastpitch Softball League.

Wendell is survived by his wife, Mary Lunette Harris; daughters, Rhonda (Mike) Hudson and Bridget (Ray) Smith; grandsons, Hays Chance, Dillon Hudson and Jack Henry Smith; granddaughters, Delaney Hudson, Madison Smith and Audrey Smith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Dumont Rose; brothers, Robert Harris and Glenn Harris; and his sisters, Minnie Lou Westmoreland, Frances Crumley, Alice Kelley and Shirley Harris.

The Harris family will visit with friends on Thursday, August 23, 2018 from noon until 2:00 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church. A Funeral Service will be held following visitation at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church with Wilson Henderson officiating. The Maury County Sheriff’s Department will be presenting law enforcement honors. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Dillon Hudson, Hays Chance, Jack Henry Smith, Matthew Hill, Chris Thurman and Tim Thurman. Honorary Pallbearers are past and present members of Maury County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol as well as past and current members of Highland Park Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Wendell’s memory to the Highland Park Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.williamsfh.com .