Lecile Harris, a legendary rodeo clown, died Wednesday at the age of 83. He passed in his sleep after the final performance of the 55th Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, MS.
Born in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, Harris gained popularity after starring in the television show “Hee Haw” as well as roles in other TV shows and movies. He was inducted into the Mississippi Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association award for Clown of the Year five times.
Lecile performed in Athens during the 1960s. Sheriff Mike Blakely and many others have fond memories of Lecile’s antics from those years. The Lone Star Rodeo Company (then called Fowlkes Rodeo Company) was the stock contractor and producer at the Athens rodeo during that time, when it was put on by the Limestone County Veterans’ Association. It was held at the corner of Hine and Market Streets where EMA and DHR are currently located.
Lecile lived and died doing what he loved.
He will be greatly missed in the world of rodeo.
Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo 