Paul Austin Harris,'s Obituary
Paul Austin Harris, 24, died unexpectedly in a car accident on January 2, 2023, in Gainesville, FL. Paul was born July 12, 1998, to Blaine Harris and Rita Hernandez. He attended Wiles Elementary, Kanapaha Middle School, Buchholz High School, Santa Fe College, and the University of Florida.
In Paul’s 24 years of life, he experienced more than a 24-year journey. His life was interesting and unique, and he was considered an old soul by many who knew him. Paul was a determined and dedicated hard worker in anything that he devoted himself to. He was interested in all realms of the sciences including biology, physics, computer science, medicine, health, and wellness. He was an encyclopedia of random knowledge and had an extraordinary memory and intellect. He was wonderful to talk to and could connect with anyone, from all walks of life in a profound way. He was accepting of everyone. Paul was a very kind and gentle soul and was loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. He had a natural charisma that cannot be taught and an inherent ability to find light in the difficult moments of life. He possessed a great passion to help those in need and had enormous dreams of changing the world for the better in many different ways. He was funny, goofy, and always remained true to himself, even sometimes in contrast to societal norms.
Paul found inspiration and solace through his experiences in nature. He loved animals of all kinds, and anyone who knew Paul understood how much he loved his cats, Excelsior and Kisses. He was passionate about keeping his body and mind healthy through researching many aspects of wellness and its implementation. He had a diverse number of interests and seemed to always excel in a multitude of personal hobbies. Among his many interests, he loved anime and was a proud weeb. Paul was a devoted son, brother, and friend. He loved deeply and felt loved and supported by his friends and family, all of whom will dearly miss his presence in their lives. He left a deep impact on many, and his impression will serve as a means for all those he touched to make the world a better place in his memory.
Paul is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ann and Paul Lemanski; his paternal grandparents, Pricilla and David Harris; and his maternal aunt, Barbara Robson.
Paul is survived by: his parents and their spouses, Rita and Arnoldo Hernandez, and Blaine and Misty Harris; his brother and his partner, Sam Harris, and Monica Staley; his step-siblings, Jakob and Whitney Kolenda, and Alicia Hernandez; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas West area Funeral Home 823 NW 143rd Street. The Family will receive friends with a reception beginning at 12:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace Marketplace in his memory at www.gracemarketplace.org/wishlist. If it is easier for you, you can send money to his brother Sam Harris, at Venmo (@Swuzz), Cashapp ($Swuzz), or Zelle (352-359-9833), and the money will be donated for you.
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