Richard Eugene Harris, formerly of Galatia
Richard Eugene Harris (Gene), age 84, passed away at 8 p.m. April 1, 2019 at the SunCoast Care Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, with family by his side.
He was born May 5, 1934 in Tate Township to Ernest and Clova Harris.
He married his one true love, Leona Smith, on June 6, 1953, and it was a marriage based on faith and love for 66 glorious years.
Together, they filled their home with love and the four children, who were their world: Rodney Gene (Jill) Harris, Rita (William) Harris Haubner, Rebecca (Dennis) Harris Masterson, and Alan Dale (Starla) Harris.
When their children married, the family expanded exponentially with 11 grandchildren: Rachel Harris Richey, Richard Carl Harris, Madison Taylor Haubner, Mackenzie Anne Haubner, Micki Leigh Pritchett, Tiffany Pritchett Quertermous, Nichole Pritchett Herron, Sabrina Pritchett Franklin, Brandon Cole Richards, Brock Alan Harris and Sessaly Harris Davis.
Along came spouses and 16 great-grandchildren: Dr. Wade Richey (husband of Rachel) presented Mary, Luke and Mark; Richard graced us with Rylin, Chelsey and Isabelle; Micki contributed Layna and Kate; Quentin Quertermous (husband of Tiffany) bestowed McKinley upon us; Nichole introduced us to Hailey, Jamesdon, her angel Corbin in Heaven, and her husband Moe Herron; Sabrina gave us Aiden and her husband, Scott Franklin; Brittany (wife of Brandon) enriched us with Brielle and Brantley; B.J. Davis (husband of Sessaly) gifted us with Lane.
Gene loved his family and provided a loving home. He was a coal miner and farmer - he worked in the coal mines for 43 years, employed by Freeman Coal Company and retiring from Old Ben Coal Company.
His greatest pleasure was his farm especially his "Hill". He enjoyed his morning coffee and cookies on his deck with his loving wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Clova; a great-grandchild, Corbin Minton; his five brothers, Edward, Bertis, James, Charles and Leon; and three sisters, Juanita Duffee, Venita Hall and Ruby Constanders.
He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Ina Mae Harris and Wanda Spicer.
Gene was respected and loved by his friends and family. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit, his passion and his love will live fully with his legacy of a strong family. His light is forever shining. Heaven gained an angel on the first of April.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Sloan Funeral Home, 110 State St., Galatia.
The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, April 12, also at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Lebanon Cemetery.
Galatia Baptist Church will graciously serve dinner for family and friends immediately following the burial.