Jeff S. Harris, passed away peacefully with his three daughters by his side on May 4, 2025.
Jeff was born on August 5, 1944 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio to a hard-working plasterer, Hoy J. Harris and his bride of 68 years Dorothy (White) Harris.
Jeff had four beloved siblings. Connie Clark of Camdenton, MO, Sue Hood of South Clayton, IN, Linda (John) Dickey of Plainfield, IN, and Russ (Kim) Harris of Martinsville, IN. Jeff and his siblings grew up on County Road 19, near Sparta, Ohio on the Leaning Pines Farm. Jeff was known for his ornery actions and his ability to talk his siblings into doing things on the farm they knew may result in getting them into trouble.
Jeff graduated from Sparta High School in 1962. While attending high school he had a competitive spirit and participated in football, basketball and track. He had a passion for riding horses competitively and won many awards on a loaner horse named Slippers. He enjoyed working alongside his grandfather Hoy Harris Sr. and uncle Carroll Harris on the family farm.
Following graduation, Jeff worked at HPM in Mt. Gilead, during this time he proposed to Sally Ann Weyrick whom he was married to for 34 years. They grew their family over the coming years. The first of the three daughters Sonia (Vincent) Brown made her debut in 1964. Teresa (Tim) Belcher came into the world in 1966. The family was complete in 1969 when Sheila (Ron) Lowe arrived. Jeff was a young father, yet his faithfulness to his three daughters never wavered. He watched over, protected, and provided for his daughters teaching them valuable life lessons throughout the years.
Jeff shared a love of music with his daughter Sonia. For several years they played in a band named, “Sonia & Co”. Jeff was a self-taught musician who played guitar, banjo, steel guitar, mandolin and the harmonica in the band. Other interests and organizations Jeff participated in throughout his years were becoming a member of the Masonic Lodge of Chesterville where he achieved the degree of worshipful master.
Jeff departed HPM and began a career in the construction industry. This transition proved to be helpful when the family home was destroyed in a total loss fire. He used his knowledge of construction to build his young family a new brick ranch home. They resided there for the next 38 years. Jeff worked evenings and weekends with his construction friends and family to complete the new home in five short months. He built the family home while working throughout the day and taking classes to become a skilled lather in the construction industry.
Jeff received an award of distinction from the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio. The superlative work took place at Otterbein University for his work in the Music & Arts Building constructing an acoustic ceiling while employed by South Texas Drywall Company. In 1983, he built Highland Pizza & Ice Cream in Sparta. Jeff & Sally owned and operated the business for 8 years. Jeff completed his career serving as a Construction Superintendent for Compass Construction in Columbus, working with many young men that he thought so highly of.
He retired from Compass Construction and began the next chapter—lake life.
Jeff, moved to Lakeview where he spent his retirement years gardening, boating, mowing, and spending time with his neighbors. He enjoyed going to the Moose Lodge and Eagles where met many new friends. Some of whom he loved to engage in practical jokes with.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Hoy & Dorothy, sister-in-law, Gay Eastridge, three brothers-in-law, a nephew-Josh Harris, his beloved aunts and uncles and a cousin.
Jeff is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-laws, eight grandchildren: Jordan (Allen) Snelling, Maddison (Dustin) Eichhorn, Raven (Brandon) Bump, Jacob Brown, Byron Belcher, Peeri Lowe, Jenna (Clay) Leedy & Ashlynn Belcher. Five great-grandchildren, many special nieces and nephews, favorite cousins, and loyal friends.
Sonia, Teresa & Sheila would like to express sincere gratitude to all of the family and friends who called on our dad during his final weeks in the three hospital stays and at Bennington Glen. The prayers, cards, and calls were all so meaningful to our dad. A heartfelt thank you to Chet Harris–your visits and stories provided dad with priceless memories and made him smile. Our faces are stained with tears and our hearts are sad yet we are at peace knowing our dad is no longer suffering.
Family and friends are welcome to join us for a graveside service on Saturday, May 10th at 11:00 am.
Location: The Bloomfield Cemetery located on the east side of County Road 204, about 0.2 mile south of its intersection with State Route 656.
The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel is handling the services for the Harris family.
Meal to follow at the Sparta United Methodist Church, 22 North Church Street, Sparta.
Contributions may be made to: Indian Lake Moose, 11044 Lake Street, Lakeview, OH 43331.
To express a condolence to the family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com