Larry Harris

LAWRENCE MARK HARRIS Lawrence Mark Harris, 70, passed away on November 9th, 2013 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was born on May 28th, 1943 in Altoona Pennsylvania to Curtis Pershing Harris and Florence Rhoda McCartney. Larry grew up in Altoona, PA but also spent some formative years in Harrisburg, PA. He graduated from Altoona High School and was a multi-sport letterman. After high school he: Attended Kent State University in Kent, OH on a football scholarship, but also lettered in baseball. His single biggest achievement was convincing the love of his life, Donna to go on a date with him. He was also a member of the Army Reserves while at Kent State. Larry returned to Altoona where he began a lifelong career in broadcasting at WTAJ. His competitive nature drove him to be the top sales person at the station. His extensive and continued sales successes led him to a management opportunity in Austin Minnesota. Larry & Donna's family grew here with the birth of daughters Julie and Barbara. Continuing to advance in his career, Larry became a General Manager at KLTV in Tyler, Texas. Their family grew even larger in Tyler where they welcomed sons Timothy, Mark, and Randy. Additional career stops led Larry to KFVS in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and back to KLTV in Tyler. He became part of an ownership group of WXVT in Greenville, Mississippi and then went on to WTVA/WLOV/WKDH in Tupelo, Mississippi. Throughout his career, he had a penchant for making his stations the market leaders in news and sales. Recognized with numerous awards each stop of the way cemented his place in local broadcasting history. His ability to spot upcoming talent has led to many getting their start in broadcasting thanks to Larry. Often cited as a mentor, his roots in the industry run deep. Larry was a board member of multiple charitable organizations with lifelong ties to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Larry married Donna at First Presbyterian Church in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania on June 10th, 1967. They were happily married for 47 years. Larry's love of sports was a perfect match for Donna with the Pittsburgh Steelers being their team of choice. But not too far away were affinities for Penn State, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. With two sons graduating from Mississippi State University, they've found a place for the Bulldogs too. Larry's love of football even led him to being a high school and college referee. Larry was preceded in death by his mother Florence Rhoda McCartney and father Curtis Pershing Harris. Larry is survived by his wife, Donna Wright Harris; his children Julie Kent, Barbara Doty, Timothy Harris, Mark Harris, and Randy Harris; his grandchildren Hayley Thompson, Lauren Landrum, Taylor Kent, Karlee Harris, Parker Harris, Emelia Doty, and Curtis Harris; and his great-grandchild Loreli Hausmann; his father Virgil McCartney and siblings Linda Brown, Lisa McCartney, and Paul McCartney. A memorial service will be held at W. E. Pegues Funeral Home, 535 W. Jefferson Street Chapel in Tupelo on Friday, November 15th at 2 p.m.. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association at https://secure.mdausa.org/Donate/GiftInMemory.aspx