Ronnie Harris

He was born in 1947 in Davie County, North Carolina where he met Helen, his wife of 57 years who survives him. With a degree in drafting from Forsyth Tech, he worked for Bell Labs (Lucent Technologies) for 33 years. His work took them to Central Ohio in 1974 where they raised two sons, both of whom survive him. He served faithfully for decades as a deacon, building trustee, song leader, choir member and Sunday School / Royal Ambassador teacher at Summit Baptist Church. He shared his love of telescopes and flying toys (control line airplanes, kites, electric RC planes) with anyone who was interested.

He enjoyed tinkering on anything mechanical, from fixing cars to improving poorly designed flying toys so they could actually fly. He taught his sons baseball and had many catches with them over the years. He was an approachable father who enjoyed taking his sons and their friends out for “pizza on the hood”.

He was a fixture in his neighborhood which he walked regularly and spoke with everyone. He befriended those who needed a friend, and if you didn’t own a telescope of your own, he just might have given you one of his. He was always generous to anyone he met and would give them the shirt off his back if they needed it. He inherited his lively sense of humor from his mom and was the beloved funny man in some circles, but he always kept it clean as he pushed the boundaries of appropriateness and silliness.

He was a loving and fun grandfather who was a first-string baby sitter of his grandkids, of whom he is survived by six. He faithfully cared for his wife, the love of his life and best friend, for so many years. He is sorely missed and will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dob and Mary Lee Harris.

In addition to his wife, two sons, and 6 grandchildren, he is also survived by 4 siblings and their families.

Calling hours (starting 3:30pm) will be followed by a service (5:30pm) on Nov 25 at Victory Baptist Church in Etna, Ohio. Come with a favorite memory of Ron to share in the service, if you like.

In lieu of flowers, consider doing a random act of kindness for someone in Dad’s honor.