Revis Harris of Columbia, Tennessee

July 3, 1929 - March 17, 2020

Revis Harris, Jr., age 90, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the evening of Tuesday, March 17 ^th , 2020.

Revis was born in Maury County, Tennessee, to Revis Harris, Sr. and Versie Lee Abernathy Harris on July 3 ^rd , 1929.

Revis was married to the love of his life Carrie Lee Harris (Smith) on June 7 ^th 1950; they were married 69 years.

In 1964, Revis began his career at First Farmers & Merchants Bank. Through hard work and dedication, Revis rose through the ranks and eventually assumed the role as Building Maintenance Supervisor, with responsibility for the Main, High Street, Spring Hill and Mt. Pleasant FF&M offices.

In addition to a career at FF&M, Revis was the owner and operator of Harris Janitorial Services for more than fifty years. Revis started Harris Janitorial Service in 1968, as a small family business, employing his son, Terry, and a few of his friends. In the decades since, Harris Janitorial Services has employed countless more men and women, and has become one of the oldest black-owned businesses in Maury County. Harris Janitorial Service is still in operation today.

Known to his family as “Brother” or “Uncle,” Revis was known for his love and commitment to his family. Being one of the youngest of twelve brothers and sister, Revis has a big family whom he loved dearly. There was nothing more important to Revis than his family, and he prided himself in making sure that each member knew that they were loved, and that they understood that he was there for them if they ever needed anything.

Outside of his family, many know him as “Coach Revis.” Revis spent decades coaching and mentoring young boys and girls through his participation in youth sports in Columbia. Revis served as President of the Pop Warner Football League, was a member of the Columbia Recreation Board, and coached little league baseball, basketball and football.

Revis’s community involvement also included, Board of Directors of the Maury County Chamber of Commerce, First Farmers and Merchants Advisory Board, Board of Habitat for Humanity, Board of Directors of Big Brothers/Big Sister, President of the H.O. Porter Scholarship Foundation, to name a few.

Revis was a devout Christian and member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a devoted Elder Deacon and Sunday School teacher.

In recognition of the tireless and countless contributions to the City of Columbia, Dean Dickey, then-Mayor of Columbia, proclaimed June 19 ^th , 2010 as “Revis Harris, Jr. Day.”

Revis is survived by his spouse: Carrie Lee Harris (Smith) , three loving children: Terry Wade Harris (Gwendolyn), Audrey Dowarn Poynter, and Vanessa Darlene Maston (Michael) , seven adoring grandchildren: LaToya Renee’ Harris, Christopher Norris Poynter (Andrea), Trenton Janee’ Poynter (Brittany), Michael Maurice Maston, Jr., Brittni Jade Maston, Jeremy Alexander Poynter, and Brandon Terrell Maston (Ashley) , six great-grandchildren: Imari Alexandria Brewer, Nylah Joi Poynter, Layla Gabrielle Poynter, Avery Monroe Poynter, Christian Isaiah Poynter, and Aiden Revis Poynter , and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

Revis is preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Faye Harris , father and mother, Revis Harris, Sr. and Versie Lee Abernathy Harris , twelve brothers and sisters, Lizzie Mae, Alexander, Margaret, Laura Bell, Iva Lee, Eunice, Hattie Willie, Ophelia, Sarah, Bernice, and Charles Thomas, and James Ensley.

A viewing of the body will be held on Monday, March 23 ^rd from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 23 ^rd at 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. W. Gerard Harlan of Clark United Methodist Church will be officiating. A private burial for immediate family only will follow the funeral at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Heritage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Revis Harris' honor to Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church: 312 E 8th Street, Columbia, TN 38401.

Due to the crisis affecting our country, if you choose to participant in the viewing of the body, we ask that you limit your visit to 15 minutes. Please also try and avoid touching one another as we try and keep the environment as safe and clean as possible.