Celebrating the life of
Frank E. Harris, Sr.
September 19, 1929 - August 28, 2009
Francis Eugene "Frank" Harris, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully August 28, 2009 at Hospice Savannah, Inc., surrounded by his wife and children. Frank was born in Santa Cruz, California in 1929. He moved to Savannah in 1953 to marry the love of his life, Janie. During the next 50 years, Frank became a well known and successful restaurateur. To this day, Savannah locals continue to reminisce about their many
wonderful memories at Frank's restaurant, The Regency Room in the Downtowner Hotel. As his success
continued, he and Janie raised five children, always determined to provide each child with every
opportunity. During the latter part of his career Frank owned The River House and The Shrimp Factory, both successful restaurants which provided a career start for three of his children and grandchildren. Frank became well known by his, many employees and friends as a gentle and generous man. He had a passion for cooking and was meticulous with his recipes. Another passion was his love of gardening, growing fruits and vegetables. Every Christmas all family members and many friends could count on a large gift bag of jams, jellies and marinated peppers, Frank's love of cooking will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his son, Frankie Harris and grandson, Eddie Ivie.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Janie Harris of Savannah; children, Cindy Whalen, Cheryl Power and her husband, Vic; Charlene Branan and her husband, Philip; Sam Harris and his wife, Teresa all of Savannah; six grandchildren, one great grandchild and
several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2009 at Calvary in Savannah with The Reverend Dr. John S. Connell and Reverend Buddy Clay officiating.
Pallbearers will be Carson Branan, Larry Downs, Vic Power, Patrick Whalen, Sam Harris, Jr. and Philip Branan.
Burial: Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Remembrances: Susan G. Komen For The Cure, P.O. Box 1405, Savannah, GA 31402.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Harris's passing. He was a very sweet man, and I will miss seeing him when we have the pleasure to be included in Harris family events, especially meals. Though I haven't tasted them since childhood, his rum cake and cheese spread will never be forgotten.
- Cece Branan Schneider, Raleigh, NC
Cherie, Pam, Laura, Leila,and I are thinking of you ,Your dad , and the whole family,and what a terrible loss you are enduring. Mr.Harris was a great man,and We love you very much.
- Ramsey Khalidi, Savannah, GA
It was always a pleasure to see Frank Harris, he will be missed. Our sympathy to Mrs. Harris and children. Cecil and Rosemarie Mastison
- Rosemarie Mastison, Savannah, GA
Sincere condolences from Cindy Citron & the staff at Forest Lawn.
- Cindy, , GA
My thoughts and prayers go out to a wonderful family.
- Sonia Enslow, ,
Both my Mother Dale Floyd and my Grandmother Margie Hamm worked form Mr. Harris for many years at the Regency Room. Mr. Harris gave my mother a job to support me after our family had fallen on hard times. My Mother has always had the utmost respect and gratitude for he and his wife. We attended their 50th wedding anniversary at the River House and both of us were so pleased so see them. I cannot imagine how lost you must feel as he was such a special and kind person. God Bless and keep you all during this very sorrowful time.
- Gale Hohenhouse, Savannah, GA
Praying you will draw strength and comfort from god at this time . you are in our prayers. with our heartfelt sympathy, Sheron Schuler and Danny Barry.
- sheron schuler, savannah, GA
Sam, Teresa and family, I was sadden to read of the passing of Mr. Harris. I have fond memories of him when he was at the Downtowner Hotel. For many years he worked with us to plan and celebrate Savannah State's homecoming back in the day Please know that I am thinking of the family with the sympathy and understanding that words can't express. Alvernia Wilson- Jackson Roy Jackson
- Alvernia Wilson-Jackson, Savannah, GA
I am sorry for your loss,Frank was one of the finest men I have ever known.He will be missed by alot of people,Janie your family will step in for you now ,said with love Bev
- Beverly Strange, Savannah, GA
I had the honour of meeting and working for Mr. Harris at the Shimp Factory. He always had a smile no matter what was going on around him. He will truly be missed.
- Cheryl, Savannah, GA
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Harris's passing. He was a very sweet man, and I will miss seeing him when we have the pleasure to be included in Harris family events, especially meals. Though I haven't tasted them since childhood, his rum cake and cheese spread will never be forgotten.
- Cece Branan Schneider, Raleigh, NC
Cherie, Pam, Laura, Leila,and I are thinking of you ,Your dad , and the whole family,and what a terrible loss you are enduring. Mr.Harris was a great man,and We love you very much.
- Ramsey Khalidi, Savannah, GA
It was always a pleasure to see Frank Harris, he will be missed. Our sympathy to Mrs. Harris and children. Cecil and Rosemarie Mastison
- Rosemarie Mastison, Savannah, GA
Sincere condolences from Cindy Citron & the staff at Forest Lawn.
- Cindy, , GA
My thoughts and prayers go out to a wonderful family.
- Sonia Enslow, ,
Both my Mother Dale Floyd and my Grandmother Margie Hamm worked form Mr. Harris for many years at the Regency Room. Mr. Harris gave my mother a job to support me after our family had fallen on hard times. My Mother has always had the utmost respect and gratitude for he and his wife. We attended their 50th wedding anniversary at the River House and both of us were so pleased so see them. I cannot imagine how lost you must feel as he was such a special and kind person. God Bless and keep you all during this very sorrowful time.
- Gale Hohenhouse, Savannah, GA
Praying you will draw strength and comfort from god at this time . you are in our prayers. with our heartfelt sympathy, Sheron Schuler and Danny Barry.
- sheron schuler, savannah, GA
Sam, Teresa and family, I was sadden to read of the passing of Mr. Harris. I have fond memories of him when he was at the Downtowner Hotel. For many years he worked with us to plan and celebrate Savannah State's homecoming back in the day Please know that I am thinking of the family with the sympathy and understanding that words can't express. Alvernia Wilson- Jackson Roy Jackson
- Alvernia Wilson-Jackson, Savannah, GA
I am sorry for your loss,Frank was one of the finest men I have ever known.He will be missed by alot of people,Janie your family will step in for you now ,said with love Bev
- Beverly Strange, Savannah, GA
I had the honour of meeting and working for Mr. Harris at the Shimp Factory. He always had a smile no matter what was going on around him. He will truly be missed.
- Cheryl, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
