SPRINGDALE— Robert Claude Harris, Jr.,

93 of Springdale passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Willard Walker Hospice in Fayetteville. He was born January 16, 1930, in Muskogee, Okla., to Claude Harris and Ethel Eddings Harris. Claude was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Kennedy Harris, to whom he was married September 23, 1950; three sisters and two brothers. He leaves behind seven children: Theresa Harris Moore (Joe), Paula Harris Stansell (Charles), Don Harris (Debra), Gayla Harris Bielak (Ken), David Harris (Renae), Gary Harris (Judy), Tim Harris (Carla); 28 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Claude’s faith and his family were the most important things in his life. His relationship with the Heavenly Father and love for his Son and Savior Jesus Christ brought true joy into his life that was evident in all who knew him. He married the love of his life, Betty Jean Kennedy, on September 23, 1950 and they had 44 years of marital bliss. “My Betty” remained his love and inspiration for a lifetime. Their reuniting now helps ease the loss of his passing. As a Dad he loved all of his kids dearly and was as good a Father as any person could ever dream of having. He was a parent when he needed to be, he taught morals and ethics and values, he raised his family in a home that served the Lord, he was selfless in sharing all he had and did with his family when it came to needs, vacation time and events, while also demanding accountability and self reliance in a way that makes people better. He set high expectations for himself and his family and it made everyone around him better people.

Claude’s story can’t be told without Walmart. He was a merchant for Woolworths in the late 1950’s when he met Sam Walton. Over time Mr. Sam convinced him to come to work running stores within his Ben Franklin franchise. When the fledgling Walmart Stores began in the early 1960’s Mr. Sam asked Claude to start the buying division from scratch and he became the company’s first buyer. He proudly called Sam Walton his friend and partner and they, along with other early associates, (Claude was close with Bud Walton as well), were instrumental in helping shape the tenants and culture that laid a cornerstone for the Company it is today. He went on to other executive roles within the company and remained a direct report and personal friend of Mr. Sam’s until his retirement. With his appreciation for the company he never fully “retired”. Even recently he was sharing ideas on how Walmart could improve and do better for its customers and people. His pride and support of Walmart and those wonderful associates lasted a lifetime. He was a merchant and associate until the end.

The Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals lost a fan in Claude. His passion for his teams and sports/competition brought so much enjoyment. Decades of family memories were made going to Cardinal games, Cardinal Spring Training, Razorback games of all types, Bowl trips, the old SWC basketball tournament, his love of horse racing and the horses associated with the family. Claude and Betty were in Charlotte in 1994 when the Razorbacks won the NCAA Basketball National Title, which was a special memory for them both. He took great pleasure in not only playing sports himself, but attending events so he could watch his kids, grandkids and even great-grandkids participate in sports and activities themselves. Claude and Betty were both athletic and their love of sports and being active spilled across the entire family and shaped much who they are today.

Claude would want to thank all his friends and family for the wonderful life well lived. The family requests memorials to be made to The Bread of Life, First United Methodist Church, Springdale, Ark. A Celebration of Life memorial will be announced in the near future.

Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.