John E. Harris

John E. Harris was born in Pontiac, Michigan on November 28, 1943 to his parents Clyde and Ethel Harris. He passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

He was the beloved husband of Linda Harris, his best friend, who he met in the winter of 1964 and married Dec 3, 1966. Together they enjoyed nearly 58 wonderful years of marriage. It was clear to all that John adored his wife.

John was the loving and devoted father of 3 children, John (Teresa) Harris Jr., Chris (Diane) Harris, Jennifer (Neil) Bates. And he was the very best grandfather ever for his grandkids and was adored tremendously by Hailey (Greg) Puka, Regan Miller, Connor Harris, Christopher Harris, Logan Harris, Bella Harris, Daniel Jacobi, Luke Jacobi, and adored so dearly by his great-granddaughter Francesca DeNotto. 

John is survived by his brother, Ronnie Harris and sister, Sharon Harris-McGillis. 

As a young man, after graduating from Wayne Memorial High School, John proudly served in the US Navy 1961-64 on the USS ESSEX CVS-9 Aircraft Carrier. For his entire life, he was so proud of his service and loved sharing stories from his time served with his family.

John worked tirelessly for Kelsey-Hayes for 31 years after serving his country. In fact, with his unwavering work ethic, he worked 2 jobs while also attending Wayne County Community College as a young father providing for his growing family. He was also extremely handy, adept at tackling any project around the house, and he instilled this same ‘can-do’ spirit and practical skill in his children, ensuring that his legacy of resourcefulness lives on.

Throughout his life, he loved going on trips with his family, whether to the family’s cabin in Northern Michigan or around the country. He loved hunting, fishing, riding bikes, reading – he loved meticulously decorating for the holidays, and he loved family dinners together. As the kids grew up, he loved traveling with his best friend Linda. He would plan every trip in great detail, loving the time spent together with her.

John will be remembered so fondly by his fun, playful spirit, his utter devotion to his best friend and wife Linda, for ALWAYS putting his family before all else. He will be so deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace knowing that he was cherished so deeply by his loved ones.

Visitation for John will be held on Friday, August 30, from 3PM to 7PM. at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan.  Visitation will continue on Saturday, August 31, from 10AM to 11AM until the funeral service starting at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.  Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home.