HARRIS Bishop Rev. Melvin Eugene “Gene” Harris, 76, of Columbus, passed away on June 25, 2025, in Columbus. He was born on March 10, 1949, to Melvin Leslie Harris and Margie (Eaves) Harris in Beaumont and he was raised in Silsbee, Texas.

On May 26, 1967, he married Sheila Joy Hanks. Melvin was an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God. He was a Minister, Pastor, Teacher and Evangelist for 53 years. Melvin worked with the ministry in the military. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era and served from 1967-1976.

Melvin started churches in South Carolina, Texas and Germany and he pastored in Texas, New Mexico, California and Colorado. Melvin is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sheila Harris; son Jason Eugene Harris and wife Tracy; daughter Wendy Dawn Poole and husband Chris; grandchildren Bailey Marshall and husband Matt, Mickenzie Wood and husband Chandler, Madison Poole, and Payton Poole; great-grandchildren Jonathan Marshall, Beau Marshall, Mason Wood, and Taylor Eugene Wood due in September 2025; brothers Tony Harris, Johnny Harris, Leslie Harris, Ronald Harris, James Harris, Raymond Harris, Randall Shane Harris; sisters Melba Grady, Dianne Wright, Rita Brockman, and Tracy Jane Poland. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Margie Harris; brother Lynn Leslie Harris; sister Nancy Sanford.

Visitation was held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Graveside service was held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at RS Farmer Memorial Cemetery in Silsbee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Ordained Bishop Rev. Melvin E Harris Ministerial #20793 to Church of God World Missions, P.O. Box 8016, Cleveland, TN 373209847. Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.