Zelma Harris

Zelma Harris affectionately known as “Big Six” born November 26, 1936 in Madisonville, KY passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at home after a short illness.
He was a graduate of the Historic Rosenwald High School Class of 1967 where he played basketball. He was a devoted member of Eastview Baptist Church and served as a Chairman of the Trustees Board and President of the Senior Usher Board.
Zelma enlisted in the U.S. Army where he received several certificates for serving during the Cold War period, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and during the Vietnam War. After serving his country, Zelma returned home to work at the Trover Clinic. In 1967, he was hired at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company where he worked 25 years before retiring in 1992.
Zelma was active in several organizations in his lifetime. He served as Vice President and President of Local Union 835, URW Executive Board, and the President of Rosenwald School Reunion Committee. Zelma was very instrumental in the hiring of the first African Americans in Hopkins County to the United States Post Office, Madisonville City Police, and the Madisonville Fire Department while serving on the Civil Service Board. He was also a member of the Kentucky Colonels. Zelma was founder and President of The Hopkins Countians For Progress.
Zelma loved his family and especially the yearly family reunions. He would rent large passenger vans so that all who wanted to go were allowed to attend. During the years, the crowd eventually grew so big he rented a charter bus. Those trips gave him great joy. He was a small business owner and operator of Saleste Lawn Care for 20 years.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory daughters: LaMargaret (Terry) Springfield, Sheena Harris, LaRissa Sampson; sons: Zelma (Tommie) Harris, Jr., Zachary Harris, Miguel Harris; brother: Jewell (Janie) Harris; special caregivers: Janet Harris, Lashaye Springfield and Delores Jean Harris; grandchildren: Shelley, Scott, Rashida, Skyler, Syimone, Mikuel, Little Terry, Sa’Leste, Keyshawn, Starr, Ayden, Jaxson, and Layla; and a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and former wife Margaret Harris.