Michael "Mike" Joseph Harris

Mike was born in Tampa, FL on September 16, 1947 to Houston H. and Thelma K. Harris. He is survived by his sister, Suzanne H. Moraco; and members of the McCranie family including Geraldine McCranie and her two daughters: Susan (Troy) McCranie and Donna (Jeff) Bower, and their families.

Mike attended Hillsborough High School and earned a degree in Marketing and Management from the University of South Florida. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam years and continued his service in the Naval Reserves for several years. While working on his degree at USF, he worked for Portland Cement in Tampa. After graduation, he worked for Burroughs Corporation and Delmonte Foods. Then, following in his dad’s footsteps, he joined the United States Postal Service where he worked for almost 30 years. After retiring from the USPS, he decided he wanted to teach. So, he earned his teaching certificate and for several years he served as a substitute teacher in the Hillsborough County School District. Mike loved working with the kids and shared many funny and heartwarming stories about his time with them in the classroom.

Mike developed a love of saltwater fishing at an early age, spending many hours with his dad on the waters of Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico during the family’s summer vacations. Fishing was a lifelong passion. He also loved animals, especially his beloved dogs that he adopted over the years. In recent years, he developed an affinity for the pit bull breed. He is survived by his beloved pittie Zeus.

The family will receive friends at Blount and Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories at 4207 East Lake Ave in Tampa on Saturday, February 17 at 1:00 PM. After visitation and a brief service, internment will immediately follow. Mike will be buried next to his parents in the Garden of Memories cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to honor Mike’s love of animals. Donate in Mike’s name to the Humane Society of Polk County at www.polknokill.org or to the no-kill animal rescue organization of your choice.