Obituary of Arthur William Harris

Arthur (Art) W. Harris, 96, passed away peacefully at his home with his children and loyal healthcare worker Martha by his side on August 29, 2021 of natural causes. 

Art was from Fort Meade, Florida on June 5, 1925 and moved to Winter Haven, at age 15. When he was 17, soon after Pearl Harbor, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving 4 years, 2 of which were served in the South Pacific – from New Calidonia to the invasion of the Philippines.  

On June 1, 1947, he married Betty Frederick, daughter of Willard and Lucile Frederick. 

After completing his schooling in the study of accounting, he became a Certified Public Accountant and operated his own CPA firm for many years. During that time, he served two terms as Winter Haven City Commissioner and as Mayor of Winter Haven in 1976. His wife of over 68 years passed away in 2015.  

He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Harris Leeds and Cathi Harris Draper (Mike) of Winter Haven, son Randy (Pam) Harris, of Port Rickey, FL. Along with loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Graveside services will be private.