Al Harris
James Alfred "Al" Harris, III, age 79, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia. He was born April 24, 1945, in Pine Bluff, the son of the late James Alfred and Lucille Trigg Harris, Jr.
Al was a 1963 graduate of Batesville High School. He graduated from Henderson State University in 1969 with a B.A. in Psychology, and in 1974, received his teaching certification for Social Studies. He was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. He completed The Basic School (TBS) at Quantico, Virginia and deployed to Vietnam.
Al got his Masters of Science in Education (MSE) in 1977 from Henderson State University in Social Science. Al enjoyed gun collecting, target shooting and reading in his free time. He taught social studies and served as Principal of Okolona School District from August 1974-June 1978. Al also worked in industrial hardware sales for Motor Supply and Manufacturing, Inc. in Arkadelphia from June 1978-January 1979.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Patsy Ann Harris, one brother, Peter Lyle Harris and one sister, Sarah Harris Mold.
His career in law enforcement was "Legendary" to say the least. It all began in December of 1972-1974 as a Dispatcher and Jailer at the Clark County Sheriff's Department; Director, Clark County Youth Services Bureau; Deputy Sheriff for Clark County 1979-1981; Patrol Officer for Arkadelphia Police Department 1982-1983; City Marshall of Caddo Valley 1983-1984; Clark County Sheriff 1985-1992; Training Instructor for The Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) 1993-1996; Training Supervisor for ALETA 1996-1999, and the Chief of Police for Arkadelphia 1999-2017.
Al is survived by his daughter, Jesseca Harris Voorhies (Dave) of Springfield, VA and one son, James A. "Al" Harris, IV, (Christine) of Flowery Branch, GA, five grandchildren, Maddie Ann Harris, Jacob Harris, Libbie Harris, Jack Voorhies and Mary Louise Voorhies.
A celebration of life will be announced very soon.
Honorary pallbearers are Mike Smith, Mike Jones, Jason "Shorty" Jackson, Don Cleek, Alvin Johnson, Andy Williams, Jody Evans, Chris Harper, Thomas Free and all the officers that were honored to serve under his leadership.
