Spencer Stockell Harris

Spencer Stockell Harris, 75, of Shafter, passed peacefully on Aug. 13, 2023, at his home with his wife, Tammy Harris, by his side.

Spencer was born on December 8, 1947, in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he grew up with many neighborhood friends with whom he maintained lifelong relationships. He graduated from Chattanooga Central High School and earned a bachelor of science degree at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

After graduation, he moved to Wyoming where he met Tammy, with whom he would enjoy 37 years of marriage.

Spencer enjoyed countless adventures around the world with his wife and their two children, living in Canada, Singapore, Africa and across the U.S. He finally settled in Shafter, where he enjoyed many years of almond farming and raising his children.

Spencer was a proud and dedicated swim team parent and volunteered in timing and worked behind the scenes operating software.

He enjoyed a prolific and lengthy career working as a drilling engineer with Baker Hughes and Aera Energy. In 2010, Spencer and Tammy began establishing a home-away-from-home in the beautiful community of Shaver Lake. Eventually they realized their dream of building a lake house, where they enjoyed hiking with their dogs and water skiing.

Spencer was an avid car collector; he loved to concourse, race and restore old Porsches. He was heavily involved in the Porsche community, where he developed strong friendships. He treasured music and amassed an expansive collection across decades and genres; the house was always alive with music playing from his record collection. He loved to travel and attend concerts of his favorite bands.

He was an enthusiastic genealogist, recording his family history and worked diligently to research and record the stories of his ancestors. Spencer always had a story to share.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Orville Harris. He is survived by his wife Tammy, daughter Carrera (William) Romanini of Knoxville, Tenn., son Spencer Harris Jr. of Houston, Texas, and his grandsons, Wesley Romanini and Carsen Harris. He is also survived by many, many lifelong friends who he chose to be his family.

Two celebrations of life will be held in his honor in Bakersfield and Knoxville.

Spencer's family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the loved ones, the caring medical staff at Adventist Health and friends who supported Spencer throughout his illness. We would especially like to thank Barb Jensen for her tireless work, love and support of the Harris Family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honor to the American Cancer Society: donate.cancer.org