Hometown Person

Full name: Katherine JoAnne Waller Harris.
I have lived in: Hughes Springs the majority of my life; six months in Alaska, it was beautiful; and for part of second grade I lived in Fort Towson, Okla.
Family: Clint Harris, husband; Cody Murphy, Garrett Murphy, and Brayden Harris, sons; and Chyenne Murphy and Kelsey Murphy, daughter.
Pets: Three dogs, Trixie, Hope and Trouble.
Occupation: Safety director.
One of the best things about my job is: I’ve been in fleet safety for 12 years before I changed jobs two years ago. I liked doing the safety meetings, different training, talking and getting to know my driver’s. Now I just sit in my office and do desk work.
My ideal vacation is: Anywhere with my husband and kids.
My hero is: My husband. He saved my life in 2006.
The person who has influenced my life most is: My sister, Carla Gunn. I have always admired how strong she is and I am so proud that she didn’t give up on her dream to go to college, even if she is the oldest in class.
The scariest thing that ever happened to me was: When I received a phone call saying my son Garrett had been in a 4-wheeler wreck. I was in Dallas and that was the longest trip to Longview, even though my husband drove 95 miles an hour the whole way.
If I had to do it all over again: I don’t guess I would do anything over again, because it made me who I am today and I have five wonderful kids, so why do over or change anything?
I wish I had the courage to: Just walk up to someone and start talking.
I’m always afraid to say the first word.