Columbus, OH — Allen Scottie Harris, 84, of West Paducah, Ky. died on Saturday (Nov. 7) at Clinton Place Nursing Home in Clinton, Ky.

Mr. Harris was a 1954 graduate of Heath High School and played semiprofessional baseball. He was a member of Milburn Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Harris, a fixture in Kentucky harness racing since the 1970s, commenced his career in the sport in 1977 as a driver and earned more than $1.4 million in the sulky. This figure is probably much larger as the U.S. Trotting Association did not begin recording these statistics until 1991.

He also conditioned horses and amassed more than $2.1 million since 1991.

Mr. Harris was a tireless promoter of all things concerning harness racing, especially fair racing and was always present either conditioning racing surfaces at the fairs or procuring funding the Commonwealth’s program. He was a longtime member of the Kentucky Harness Horsemen’s Association (KHHA), was a past president of that organization and was inducted into its Hall of Fame.

Silent Respect (Silent Majority-Respected) was one of his more popular horses. The gelding banked $184,575 while competing primarily on the Kentucky circuit before changing hands and racing at Yonkers Raceway and The Meadowlands.

Mr. Harris was also responsible for the careers of Tarpon (Bonefish-Aflame) who collected $77,373 while racing in 1980 and 1981.

What Mr. Harris will always be remembered for is his quick wit, determination, and dedication to Kentucky harness racing. He was one of the most well-known and well-respected individuals in the Bluegrass and was often sought out for his opinions and knowledge.

“Scottie was the classic example of the consummate Kentucky hard boot and a friend to all,” said Marc Guilfoil, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. “He was always present to help a friend in because no simply was not in his vocabulary.

“He was an extremely positive individual and represented the last of a dying breed. He was just a pleasure to be around and I’m honored to call him a friend.”

Surviving are his three children, Paula (Michael) Edwards, Stan (Lynn) Harris and Julie (Steve) Walker; seven grandchildren, Sara Grace Edwards, Alex (Abbey) Edwards, Megan (Kevin) Black, Matt Harris, Stephanie (Brian) Walters, Wes Walker, and Kaleb Walker; and three great-grandchildren, Ellie, Nora, and Harrison.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Helen Dickerson Harris; and his parents, Allen Wayne Harris and Marie Grace Harris.

Graveside services were conducted on Tuesday (Nov. 10), at Harris Cemetery. The family would like to say a special thank you to Clinton Place for all their love and care for Mr. Harris.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Mercy-Health Lourdes Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be left at www.lindsayfuneral.com.