after retiring from the army, harris became the president of the citadel, a position he held from 1965 to 1970. he was the third consecutive four star officer to hold that position. harris died on november 3, 1979 and was buried in arlington national cemetery, next to his first wife, jane boyd harris (1911–1958). his second wife, lieutenant colonel kathleen b. harris, ret. (1917–2001), was buried next to him later.