Robert William Harris, 94, died Thursday, March 3, 2016. A native of Gladstone, MI, he was one of six children born to Norman Joseph and Frances Mae Weller Harris.
In 1942, Mr. Harris joined the Coast Guard and served until 1945. After his discharge, he joined the US Army and served until 1965, retiring at Ft. Monroe, VA. In 2015, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal, France's highest distinction, for his service during the D-Day Invasion in Normandy. He was an avid woodworker, making furniture and beautiful clocks which he gifted to many friends and family members. He also enjoyed leather crafting and card games.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and mother of his children, Ardis L. Harris; sons Gary and James; and a brother, Theodore. Survivors include his wife, Mary W. Harris; daughters Linda Harrell (Bobby), Carol Lawrence (Bill), Diane Steeneck (Tom), and Elaine Hundley (Steve); brothers Eugene, Richard, and Gerald; sister Theresa Streeter; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his step-family which consisted of five generations as well.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on April 9 at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Inurnment with full military honors will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.
If desired, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct. Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.