Obituary
A Tribute to Robert Earl Harris: A Life Well-Lived
Commander Robert E. Harris, USN, Ret. (78), a man of unwavering strength and resilience, peacefully departed this world on September 21, 2023 in Winter Park, FL surrounded by his loving wife and children after a courageous battle against cancer.
Known as “Bob”, by friends and family, he leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished. Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Beth (Elizabeth King) Harris, with whom he shared his life since their marriage on June 15, 1969 in Winter Haven, FL.
His memory lives on through his son, SFC Robert Harris, USA (Ashlye Harris) and daughter Victoria Keigwin (Michael Keigwin, Maj. USA Ret.) Together, they created a beautiful family that brought joy to Bob’s life. Additionally, Bob leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Connor and Kylie Harris, and Trevor and Kris Keigwin. His brother,
Richard Harris, LTC, USAF, Ret. (Eleanor Harris) also survives him. Bob’s parents have preceded him in death.
Born on August 19, 1945, in Albemarle, NC, Bob was the son of Earl R. Harris, Maj. USA, Ret. and Lynn (Easley) Harris. His childhood was enriched by experiences in Japan, Germany, North Carolina and Florida. Bob completed his education at Largo High School in 1963 and later graduated from the University of Florida in 1968, with a BS in Industrial Engineering. During his time at UF, he relished his membership in Lambda Chi Alpha.
Bob’s dedication to country led him to join the US Navy and in 1969 he graduated from USN Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI and Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, GA. His thirst for knowledge led him to earn an MBA in Finance from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1977. Throughout his Navy career, he served in the Supply Corps until his retirement in Philadelphia, PA on November 30, 1988.
After his military service, Bob embarked on a new chapter, joining the Contracts Division at the David Sarnoff Research Center in Princeton, NJ. Over a long career he became Vice President, Contracts for Sarnoff Corporation and later SRI, International, East Coast Division. In 2016 Bob bid farewell to his professional career and embarked on a well-deserved retirement alongside his loving wife, Beth. Together, they settled in the small town of Winter Haven, FL.
Bob ‘s legacy extended far beyond his professional achievements. He was a devoted family man, embodying the values of love, integrity and unwavering dedication. In retirement, he discovered a passion for baking and delighted in sharing his culinary creations with friends and, most importantly, his cherished grandchildren, Connor, Kylie, Trevor and Kris.
Bob will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his unwavering moral compass and his commitment to excellence in all he pursued.
In memory of Bob’s extraordinary life, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, an organization close to his heart. Together, let us honor and remember a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many.
Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society
2185 N Park Ave. Suite 1, Winter Park, FL 32789
I first met Bob when I joined the David Sarnoff Research Center in 1993 30 years ago. He was VP of Contracts and I was responsible for one of Sarnoff's P&L Centers. At first our interaction was purely business but then Victor Korsun suggested the six of us ( Bob and his wife Beth, Victor and his wife Zoia, and I and my wife JoAnn) have dinner together. This was the beginning of years and years of wonderful friendships-- often with the 6 of us visiting a museum or special event or exploring the fine restaurants in the Philadelphia area. Beth, Bob, JoAnn and I vacationed together for many years in Aruba and our friendship grew deeper and deeper. I retired first and then Bob and our friendship continued to grow. Bob is a wonderful friend and we four developed a deeply loving relationship. Bob was well loved and loved well.
John Riganati