Carlton Wayne Harris
September 7, 1949 – December 27, 2024
Carlton "Carl" Wayne Harris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,
passed away on December 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old.
Born on September 7, 1949, in Waco, TX, Carl was the son of Homer Lee Harris and Ada
Mullins Harris. He grew up in Waco, attended University High School, and enlisted in the
U.S. Army on November 8, 1966. Carl bravely served in the Vietnam War and was honored
with a Purple Heart for his service.
On February 7, 1969, Carl married the love of his life, Helen Marie Ditto, and together they
raised two daughters, Tracy and Tammy, building a life centered on faith, love, and family.
Carl worked for Dr. Pepper for 46 years, retiring in 2015. A man of deep faith, he served as
a deacon at Park Lake Baptist Church from 1988 to 2023. In 2023, he became a member of
Western Heights Baptist Church, continuing his deacon duties and serving his church family
with humility and dedication. He was also a dedicated member of VFW Post 2148, where he
enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans.
Carl found joy in fishing, golf, camping, singing in the church choir, and playing chicken
foot. He cherished time outdoors and loved creating memories with his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Helen; daughters, Tracy (David) Netherland
and Tammy (David) Campbell; grandchildren, Emily (Kaleb) Schmillen, Rachel (James)
Crepelle, Andrew (Madison) Netherland, Camryn (Ethan) Reynolds, Hunter Case, and Tyler
Case; and great-grandchildren, Nicholas Crepelle, Liam Girard, Tobias Schmillen, Elsie Crepelle,
Miles Netherland, Adelynn Schmillen, Ellyana Reynolds, Madden Netherland, and Nelson Reynolds.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Ada Harris, and his siblings, Joy,
Eddie, and Ronnie Harris.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at 1:00 PM at OakCrest Funeral
Home, followed by a service at 2:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at China Spring
Cemetery.
Carl's legacy as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,
faithful servant of God, and loyal friend will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.