Graveside service with military honors for Retired SGM Alvin Leroy Harris, Sr., 74 of Killeen, TX will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Walk through visitation will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX.

Mr. Harris passed away January 31, 2021 in Austin, TX.

Ret. SGM Alvin Leroy Harris Sr. was born to the late Lester L. Harris and Mary Elizabeth Harris on May 24, 1946 in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Affectionately known to his friends and family as 'Butch,' he was their first born and only son, bringing them great joy.  From a young age Butch was always brave, determined and strong.  He lived a purpose driven life that leaves behind a legacy that evokes the same spirit in others.

Butch spent his formative years in Oxford, Pennsylvania, where he was introduced to the Lord at a very early age.  Attending Second Presbyterian Church (Shiloh Presbyterian Church) was a valued and consistent part of his upbringing in the Harris household.  Under their stewardship he established a foundation of faith he would hold dear throughout his lifetime.

Butch received his formal education in the Oxford Area School System, ultimately earning his High School Diploma.  Butch was always athletic and could be found showcasing his talents with the Oxford High Basketball, Soccer and Track & Field teams.  Although he excelled in many areas of athletics, it was basketball that provided him with a scholarship to Lincoln University.  One of the first established historically black colleges in the nation.  It was an honor he did not take lightly.  Butch's experience at Lincoln expanded far beyond the basketball court.  He had become part of something much greater.  While a part of Lincoln Athletics he traveled with his team to do missionary work in West Africa.  This was Butch's first time out of the country and an experience that changed his entire perspective on life. During his Sophomore year he was drafted into the United States Army.  Although his entry into the Armed Services was not planned, Butch was able to travel the world and found a career he loved.

During his first deployment to Kagnew Station, Asmara he met the true love of his life, Milite Mesfin.  On April 18, 1970, while still deployed, the two were married.  A sacred covenant that would last more than 50 graced years. From that union they were blessed with 3 beautiful children, Cristina, Alvin Jr., and Solomon.  Building a life for his family was one of his most significant accomplishments and greatest joy.  Butch and his family traveled all over the world, but found home in Killeen, TX.  He was a loving father that cherished his children, using every opportunity he could to share how proud he was of them.  That same pride trickled down and multiplied when he was able to add grandchildren and great-grandchildren to his list of accomplishments.

Clinging to his upbringing Butch always loved the Lord and found his new spiritual home at Christian House of Prayer in Killeen, TX.  He loved God, loved his church and adored the extended family he made through the fellowship there.

Full of the same brave, strong determination found in him as a child, Butch pressed his way to the distinguished honor of Sergeant Major in the United States Army.  An honor not afforded to many.  Butch loved the military and beamed with the familiar pride he felt being a part of something greater.  A life lesson he always held dear. After dedicating 30 years of his life to military service he decided to pass the baton and enjoy his retirement.  He was an exemplary soldier and mentor, leaving behind huge shoes to fill for all who would follow.

There are some people blessed with a spirit so infectious, you always know when they enter a room.  Butch was one of those people.  In addition to his 6'5" stature, huge smile and infectious laugh, he was hard to miss.  He loved to engage with people and found his way to new friendships through conversation almost every place he went.  Sharing stories was one of his favorite pass times.  And were almost always coined with one of his signature phrases, "And want not," and "And that sort of stuff." Whether he was talking about his family, his church, life, or his beloved Dallas Cowboys, you could most always find him someplace talking!

Ret. SGM Alvin Leroy Harris Sr. certainly left his mark on this world.  He never allowed himself to be limited by standards set by others, he showed true dedication to his faith and his family and encouraged others often to do the same.  Over the course of his assignment on this earth, he touched the hearts of many, leaving them forever changed. God's plan for Butch's life was fulfilled.  On Sunday, January 31, 2021, the work he made look effortless was rewarded.  Well done soldier…Well done!

Alvin was proceeded in death by his father, Lester L. Harris and grandparents, Pfc. Warren and Bessie Webster.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted Wife, Milite Harris; His loving Mother, Mary E. Harris; His three adoring Children, Cristina Johnson (Robert), Alvin Harris Jr., and Solomon Harris (Maria); Five grandchildren, Breanna Bolden, Samra Lewis, Zahrea Lewis, Psalms Harris, Isabella Harris; Three Great Grandchildren, Sanyte Lewis, Segan Lewis, Josiah Lewis; Three Sisters, Patricia J. Williams (Alonzo), Barbara A. Temple, Cheryl E. Robinson; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, God-Daughters and Friends.