Remembering Wendy Harris, Former Director of Athletics and Community Outreach

Anyone who has played sports through PARA or worked for PARA knows Wendy Harris.  She was a vibrant woman with a strong presence. Wendy was as tough as nails, but beneath that, was a kind, caring woman. We were lucky enough to have her as part of the PARA family.

Wendy grew up playing sports and she was a fan of just about any type of sport, so she jumped at the opportunity to work for PARA and be able to do what she loved.  Wendy worked with PARA for over 40 years and has made an impact that will last for many years to come.  She cared about getting young people involved in sports and helping them become better people.  Wendy dedicated her life to serving the public through athletics programs and recreational activities.  She started working at PARA as a playground supervisor while in college. She began her career at PARA in concessions and worked her way through just about every single department. Wendy’s career grew as PARA grew, and she retired just over a year ago in management, heading up activity centers and aquatic facilities as well as athletics, therapeutic recreation, and youth programming.  

As busy as Wendy was at PARA, she found other ways to be involved in the community. You could also find her working at University of Alabama baseball, basketball, gymnastics, and football games. She worked in Residential Life at Stillman College as a dorm supervisor but became an advisor and friend to many students that passed through.

Wendy helped countless individuals secure their first job and mentored them as they made career and life decisions.  She worked hard to make sure every child got the chance to play a sport if they wanted to.  Wendy treated everyone the same and held everyone to the same standards. She was stern but fair. She always had advice to give, whether you asked for it or not.  She cared about people and wanted to see people succeed.

Over the years, Wendy was instrumental in developing a girl’s fast pitch program for PARA that grew throughout the county.  She was honored by the West Alabama Softball Hall of Fame in 2004 for her accomplishments. She was awarded PARA Employee of the Year, an award voted on by her peers. She was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Association of the US Army for her tremendous support of the community.  She was awarded the prestigious 2018 Merit in Recreation Award by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association, which is given to a professional who has shown outstanding leadership and innovation.  She received numerous awards during her tenure at PARA, but Wendy would tell you that the greatest reward was making a difference in the community.

In Wendy’s own words, “When I see the smiles on the adults and kids faces because they’re having such a good time, that’s why I do this.” 

Colossians 3:23-24 says:

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Wendy served our community well, and she will be missed.