Earl Douglass Harris, a proud veteran of the Vietnam War era and a longtime resident of Houston, passed away February 3, 2026, at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Earl, as he was known to many, was born December 19, 1946, to Tom Green and Jennie Harris (Oliver) and attended Booker T. Washington HS before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on August 26, 1965. As a sergeant for the Marine Corps, Earl saw action in the Republic of Vietnam. While serving as the backbone of the Corps, he was the first level of leadership directly supervising Corporal (E-4) and junior Marines.
The U.S. Marine Corps recognized Earl for his honorable service with several commendations: Combat Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Mast for exceptional service, and M-14 Rifle Marksman Award.
After his four-year stint in the Marine Corps, Earl returned home to be with the family. A few years later, on December 10, 1975, he married Barbara Ann Eleby. To their union, a daughter was born, Eartha LaDawn Harris. Earl and Barbara had some great years together, and her children, Walter Jr., Annette and Pamela became his children, and he loved them dearly.
Earl was very hard-working and crafty with his hands. He held a few maintenance jobs until he settled down at Excel Logistics where he worked as a fork-lift operator and order puller. He remained with Excel until he retired in 2011.
When he was not working, Earl enjoyed listening to music, fishing, cooking, and keeping up with the current sports events, college and professional teams. He could tell you about all the great players. He liked several sports teams, but the Houston Texans and Houston Astros were his favorites. He was an all-around sports buff!
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Green and Jennie Harris (Oliver); loving stepfather, Iseriah Oliver; brother, Tyrone McClenon; ex-wife, Barbara Ann Harris; stepson, Walter Lewis Sampson, “Jr.”; stepdaughter, Annette LeVern Sampson; stepgranddaughters, Lauren Sampson and Allison Moten.
His memories will live on and be cherished by his daughters, Eartha Harris and Pamela Robinson (Ray); grandchildren, Cleven “Andrew” Worthy, Bianca Jamison (Marcus), Frank “T-Joe” LeDet, Allona Moten, Tobyas Lacey (Christalyn), D’Narius Harris, DeJa Harris and seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda McClenon, Donna Harrison (James), Avis Doyle (Curtis), Judy OliverRoyston, and Leah Oliver; brothers, Mark McClenon and Shannon Oliver (Lora); special friend, Gwendolyn Barnett; best friend, Napoleon “Nap” Piper, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him.
