Virgil Marshall Harris

Virgil M. Harris, 91, passed away peacefully in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Virgil was born in Martin, Tennessee to Virgil R. Harris and Pauline Moore Harris. Virgil spent his elementary to high school years in Paducah, Kentucky and graduated from Tilghman High School in 1951. He was proud to live the majority of his life in Murray, Kentucky. 

In August, 2022 Virgil went to Louisville for a brief stay for physical therapy, but his care was prolonged and kept him there until his passing.

He was married to his beloved wife Anna Ruth Billington of Murray Kentucky for 64 years. She predeceased Virgil in 2023. Although they did not have children together, he was blessed by having step-children Cathy Guerin Rogers, (David) Burleson, Texas, and Jack Steven Guerin, deceased. He is survived by his sister, Jane Harris Benson of Louisville, Kentucky, two nieces, Lisa Benson Combs, (Don) of Louisville, Kentucky and Paula Benson Clements, (Will) of Louisville Kentucky, two great-nieces and two-great nephews, and two step-grandchildren. 

Virgil continued his education as a freshman at the University of Kentucky, then completed his BS degree and Masters degree at Murray State University. He served his country in the Army in the 101st division; 11th airborne division; 18th airborne core artillery division. This commitment to country gave him invaluable leadership experiences to use in his lifelong career in public education.

 He began as an Accounts Advisor/Examiner with the Kentucky Department of Education, specializing in school finance and administration for 29 years. He served the Paducah School District as Assistant Superintendent until he was appointed Interim Superintendent of the Paducah School District in 1991. Virgil was honored to be the only Paducah Tilghman graduate to serve as Superintendent. He officially retired in June, 1993. 

Virgil was a loving husband, step-father, step-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and making the time to see all. For many years he would spend Thanksgiving with his sister and family in Louisville, and then travel across country to Texas for Christmas with his step-daughter and family.

Sports were always a part of Virgil's life, especially after he played and lettered in every sport available at Paducah Tilghman High School. In retirement, he loved taking trips with his golfing buddies and enjoying the friendships and events at The Wellness Center in Murray. Those times were his “happy places”. 

Virgil, a professed believer in Jesus Christ, now joins his Savior and a host of family and friends, who proceeded him into their heavenly home.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. John Dale will officiate, and entombment will follow in the Murray City Cemetery with full military honors provided by the VFW Post #629. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com