Clinton’s Robert and Mary Harris to celebrate 75th anniversary
Robert and Mary “Susie” Harris will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on March 7.
The pair became sweethearts in fifth grade, and were married on March 7, 1950, at Central Baptist Church in Cumberland, Kentucky, with the Rev. Batiley Sadler officiating.
They originally planned to pose in a mock wedding to help provide books for the church’s new library, but since they were already engaged, they decided to turn the event into a real wedding.
They both graduated from Benham High School in Benham, Kentucky.
Afterward, Robert worked as a coal miner for International Harvester.
Four years later, the couple moved to Clinton with their two young sons.
Robert began working for the Y-12 National Security Complex and Oak Ridge National Laboratory as an operator and machinist, while Mary worked as an administrative assistant for the Anderson County Clerk and Master.
In 1961, Robert and Mary started their own business, Bull Run Machine and Welding, which they operated until selling it in 1988.
After retirement, Mary grew restless and returned to work as the Anderson County archivist and historian, finally retiring at age 87.
Robert and Mary have four children: Bobby (Cheryl) Harris, the late David Harris, Russ Harris, and Jill (Bob) Brown.
They also have eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
They still reside in Clinton and are active members of Second Baptist Church.
According to Robert and Mary, the secret to a successful marriage is to be humble, forgive freely, and make Jesus Christ the center of the home.
