MURREL L. HARRIS
MILO - Murrel L Harris, 60, husband of Laurel (Ellison) Harris, died very unexpectedly Saturday, April 29, 2006, at his home in Milo. He was born Dec. 16, 1945, in Milo, the son of Lewis L. and Nathalie (Dunham) Harris. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, a member of the Joseph P Chaisson American Legion No. 41, the NRA and a 30-year recreation director for the town of Milo. At one time Murrel was an x-ray technician at the Milo Hospital having x-rayed several of his own children. Murrel belonged to the Milo Fire Department for more than 25 years where he also served as secretary and director of the Milo fishing derby. He enjoyed the fire department and the camaraderie of the members. He was a charter member of the Three Rivers Kiwanis where he had served as the 14th president, was on the board of directors for many years and was program coordinator for the Secret Santa Program for area youth. He had served as athletic director for 12 years and baseball coach for Penquis Valley High School. He belonged to the Maine Athletic Directors Assoc. and had served a brief term on the SAD. No. 41 Board of Education. One of the many highlights of his career was in October of 2005, when the local baseball field was renamed "Harris Field" in honor of Murrel and his family.

In addition to his wife of 28 years, Laurel of Milo; he is survived by his mother, Nat of Milo; four sons, Lance and Michael of Milo, Ryan Harris and wife, Karen, of Bangor, Reid Harris and wife, Cris, of Henniker, N.H.; two daughters, Laurie Cates and husband, Scott, of Old Town, Tina Vanidestine and husband, Ed, of Brewer; six grandchildren, Nathan, Kristin, Jacob, Alyssa, Kendall and Grady; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be greatly missed by the Ellison family; and special friends, Peter and Tony Hamlin, David Preble, Herbie Carey, John Gracey, John Crossman and many others.

Friends are invited to call noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the Lary Funeral Home in Milo, when the family will break to attend a baseball game to honor Murrel. They will return to the funeral home 6-8 p.m. to continue remembering Murrel. A celebration of life will be held 4 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Penquis Valley High School Gym. Immediately following the service all are invited to the cafeteria for refreshments. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Murrel Harris Memorial Fund, to benefit the youth and community of Milo, care of Maine Savings, P.O. Box 447, Milo, ME 04463. Lastly, not to be forgotten is his faithful riding companion, Jeter. GO YANKEES!