Stephen M. Harris' Obituary
Stephen "Steve" Michael Harris, age 64, of Centerville, passed away on Thursday, July 8th, 2021, leaving behind 4 children who will miss him dearly, Stephen B. Harris (Brittany), Anthony C. Harris, Michael C. Harris (Kari), and Laura R. Maag (Zack).
Steve was born on November 9th, 1956 to Joan (Burke) and John Blair Harris. As a kid he played numerous sports including Basketball, Football, Baseball, and Swimming. He grew up in a large blended family and will be remembered fondly by his 7 remaining siblings, Anne Amato, Mark Harris, Patrick Harris (Mary), Cindy Price (Ron), Joe Freeman (Melinda), Tom Freeman (Lori), and Terri Williams (Steve). He held many jobs and titles throughout his life but one of his favorite was his deck cleaning and staining business. He ultimately retired from American Tobacco.
Steve was well known for being a nice and kind person, always having a smile on his face and a positive attitude. Steve's favorite activity was spending time with his 6 grandkids, Melanie Harris, Kaleb Harris, Kollin Harris, Madilynn Harris, Ryan Maag, and Jacob Maag. He enjoyed taking orders from them, playing whenever, whatever, and however they wanted; he was the perfect minion. One of his greatest joys was being outside. Whether he was walking, sitting, or gardening, he had a true appreciation for the outdoors. From caring for plants and watching them grow to making sure his friends and family had well-maintained yards where they could spend time together as a family, his passion for nature was evident. Steve also enjoyed the Beatles, especially when he could attend "Breakfast with the Beatles" events.
Family was hugely important to Steve. He looked forward to Thanksgiving each year, and was always responsible for making the Christmas Ham. After these family gatherings he would always call to follow-up with his kids and thank them for the enjoyable time and sweet memories. When the time came that his mom needed extra help, he didn't hesitate to be her caretaker. She was responsible for raising him in the Catholic Church and encouraging some of his best qualities, his kindness, gratitude, and thoughtfulness, and he loved her well. He is preceded in death and is now at peace with his mother and father, Joan (Burke) Freeman and John Blair Harris, wife Terri (Gifford) Harris, brother John Harris, and step-father Eldon Freeman.
To help the family celebrate his life, you are invited to share during his visitation at Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home (92 W. Franklin St. Bellbrook, Ohio 45305) on Friday, July 16th, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. A Life Celebration Service will be held following the visitation on Friday, July 16th, 2021 at 4:30 pm at Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association (5211 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227), or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF, PO BOX 37920, Boone IA 50037-0920). You are also welcome to share a condolence, plant a tree, or upload a picture of Steve at www.ConnerAndKoch.com.
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