Steven Edward Harris passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center while undergoing treatment for leukemia. He was 63. Steve was an entrepreneur, activist, and lifelong advocate for positive change. He was a role model for small business owners and community-minded volunteers.
Steve was born in Brownwood, Texas, on March 25, 1961, to Charlene Spurlock Rinewalt and Ernest Harris. He graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1979 and attended Baylor University, studying journalism. He worked in the food and hospitality industry in Dallas, east Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico before returning to Brownwood. He first worked at Davis Floral before launching Red Door Flower and Gift Shop with his future husband and business partner, Steven Puckett. Later, while working at Mr. Anthony’s Coffee Shop on
Center Avenue the idea for a new business venture in food service took shape. Harris and Puckett opened Steves’ Market and Deli on November 26, 1996, in Downtown Brownwood. They were pioneers in the revitalization of historic buildings, renovating three neglected properties on East Chandler Street into a thriving business and residence before much of the community saw the value in the downtown corridor. The Deli operated for 28 years and was an oasis and community touchstone where everyone was welcome. The eclectic eatery was known for walls covered with art and history, with menu items named to honor family and community members.
Steve Harris spent his life working to give a voice to under-represented members of his community. From his earliest days of activism exposing the miscarriage of justice in Dallas to founding the Human Rights Committee in Brownwood, he never turned away from an opportunity to fight for or assist those in need, regardless of the potential impact on his personal life or business.
Beyond his tireless work for human rights, his love for historic preservation led him to some of his most impassioned causes. During recent years, he led a board of like-minded community members to bring Greenleaf Cemetery back to solvency and restore dignity to the final resting place of community founders and local leaders. Always one to create connections across his community and its history, he worked to organize and host events to show and celebrate the people that make up the fabric of Brown County.
His thoughtfulness and generous spirit were shown in myriad other ways. He led and assisted in countless causes from animal rights to disaster relief to the fight against poverty. He humbly contributed to his community in ways that many people never realized, and his impact reached far beyond any credit that he sought or received.
Harris is survived by his husband, Steven Puckett. The two were together for more than 30 years and were married on September 27, 2015, in Downtown Dallas with Judge Clay Jenkins officiating. He is also survived by his sister Deb Ruud-Roland of Midlothian, Texas; nieces Randi Ruud and partner Will Broome of Tampa, Florida, Natalie and husband Josh Brown of Godley, Texas, and Sarah and husband Gabe Andrade of Yukon, Oklahoma; and his dog Peanut of Brownwood.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father and his infant sister Brenda. Arrangements are pending with Heartland Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenleaf Cemetery Association. A future memorial event honoring the legendary community member will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net