Clyde Joseph Harris Iii

Clyde Joseph Harris III

Clyde Harris, 75, died Christmas Eve at his home after battling heart disease. The evening prior to his death was spend with his family, eating good food, laughing and watching football.

He leaves his wife of 52 years, Linda; his daughter, Claudine McKemie and husband, Chris; his three grandson’s, Trevor, Tommy, Tucker; his sister, Regina Thomas;  and his brother-in law, Carl Harris and wife, Susan.  He is preceded in death by his son, Clyde, who was 35 when he passed.

Born and raised in New York City, Clyde was a graduate of Browning School and Cornell University.  He began his career in hospitality in New York City, working for Hilton Hotels.  He had a life long hospitality career with many of the big hotel chains like Holiday Inn, Westin Hotels and Resorts and Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts.  As Vice President of the Denver and Colorado Convention and Visitors Bureau, he was extremely proud of negotiating The Final Four being held in Denver.

In later years, he helped develop and became President of Harris Hotel Group located on Hilton Head Island.  This company consisted of 4 multi-state Intercontinental Hotels.

As was his son, Clyde was known for his smile, his quick wit and his love for his family and friends.  Clyde enjoyed spending Sunday mornings at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.  Golfing and boating were his passions from a very young age.  Cooking, thinking he was half Italian, was another shared passion with his son.

Clyde liked nothing more than a good martini and veal chop, especially at Flora’s Restaurant on HHI.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5 at 11am at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Pope Avenue with a luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hilton Head Humane Society.