HARRIS KENTON TEEL
Submitted by Casscounty1 on
Oct. 4, 1931 - Dec. 5, 2013
Harris Kenton Teel, 82, of Gilmer, died from injuries sustained Tuesday, Nov. 26, in an attack at the Ambulatory Surgical Center at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview.
“Papa Teel,” as he was known affectionately by his grandchildren and much of his family, was born Oct. 4, 1931, in Atlanta. He graduated from Atlanta High School in 1950 and was a star athlete, playing track and football. He was nicknamed “The Jet.” Harris joined the U. S. Air Force and served in Scotland during the Korean War, where he met the love of his life, May Cree. They married in Scotland in 1952, and eventually moved to Gilmer. She preceded him in death in 2008.
He worked many years for Lone Star Steel in the cast iron pipe foundry. He was a faithful provider for his family and loved to garden, fish and hunt to help put traditional East Texas food on the table. He was an excellent cook who loved nothing more than cooking for his grandchildren; “frying up a mess of catfish” caught on a trotline at Lake Wright Patman.
He had a rock-solid devotion to his family, which was coupled with a legendary physical strength and mental determination to do whatever was necessary to care for his loved ones. That passion never wavered until his death.
Survivors include his children, Harris Teel of Rocky Branch, Julie Teel-Borders and husband Gary of Longview, George Teel and wife Linda of Hughes Springs and Jim Teel of Gilmer; brother, Robert Teel of Ocean Springs, Miss.; grandchildren, Cree Teel and wife Christina of Richardson, Andy, Lane, Sadie, Abbie and Connor; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family is deeply grateful for the efforts of Dr. David Sadler, an extraordinary surgeon; the initial responders; the SICU nurses; all the staff at GSMC; and the uncounted people who have offered prayers and support during this difficult time.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Hanner Funeral Chapel with Carl Teel officiating. Graveside services will be at Laws Chapel Cemetery in Atlanta under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Guest registry is available online at www.hannerfuneralservice.com.
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