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Robert (Bob) Locke Harris III of San Marcos, TX, passed away March 16, 2020, at the age of 83. He was born on March 9, 1937, in New York City, NY, to John Huggins and Almeida (McGregor) Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William McGregor Harris, and his first wife Peggy Brown Harris.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Shirley Satterwhite Harris; his children, Tamara Pittman Keithley and husband Steve, Tom Pittman and wife Rhonda. He is also survived by Shirley’s children, Janet Smith Jones and husband Brad, Rodney Smith and wife Mona. Grandchildren Robbie Keithley and wife Rachel, Regan Keithley, Luke Pittman, Libby Pittman, Elizabeth Martin and husband Tyler, Garrett Jones, and Christopher Smith. Great Grandchildren Samuel Keithley and Oliver Pittman.
Bob moved from New York City to Houston in 1949. He graduated from St. Johns School in 1954. He had a passion for learning and subsequently earned three college degrees: a B.A. in Economics from The University of Texas in 1959; a M.A. in History from UCLA in 1964; and a Master’s of Library Science from The University of Texas in 1970. His work history included: two years as a secondary school teacher at the New York Preparatory School in Southampton, NY, three years as a library assistant at the Rice University Library, and two years working on a federal government contract sponsored by the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston.
In 1972, he took a job as a Reference Librarian at Southwest Texas State University. In 1976 he was promoted to Head of the Reference Department where he remained until he retired in 2003. Bob had a vast knowledge of a number of subjects such as sports, history, politics, religion and a lot of general information. He could locate some of the most obscure books or authors without the aid of computers. After retirement from Southwest Texas State University, he worked part time for the Hays County Law Library organizing the library and helping both lawyers and citizens locate law books and reference material. He retired from this position in 2012.
Bob enjoyed keeping busy, so after his retirements, he volunteered at Central Texas Medical Center and the San Marcos Public Library. He made good friends at each of these places.
He was an avid sports fan and sports historian. Always a diehard Yankees fan, as a child he attended their games and got to see some of the great baseball legends such as Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra. As a young boy he would memorize the batting averages of most starting players in the major leagues and followed the Yankees throughout his life. He also loved the Texas Longhorn’s football and baseball teams.
Bob’s faith in God sustained him throughout his life. He loved to drive and listen to his favorite hymns, which brought him encouragement and peace. His kind spirit and wit will be missed by his family and friends, but he will always remain in our hearts.
Due to current circumstances, a Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements in the care of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche St., San Marcos, Texas.
