JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Wayne Arnold Harris, 66, died of cancer on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Fla.
Wayne was born on June 22, 1958 in Grafton, West Virginia, to James A. Harris and Martha Louise Cooper Harris.
He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1976 and then joined the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, and became a sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he settled in Trumbull County, where he lived until 2009, when he moved to Jacksonville, Florida.
Wayne had a charismatic personality and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and walking in nature. He liked the sound of an acoustic guitar, jazz and rock music. He was also a talented carpenter who worked in construction for many years.
Wayne is survived by his daughter, Michelle Harris of Niles, and two grandchildren, Austin Casper and Kylie Harris, both of Niles. Wayne is also survived by his mother, Martha Louise Cooper Harris of Bradenton, Florida; his brothers, David (Michael) Harris of Sarasota, Florida, and Denny Harris (Joe) of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; his sisters, Kathy (Sabrina) Harris of Palmetto, Florida, and April (Travis) Hochstetler of Niles; nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friend and adopted brother, Michael (Lecia) Cox of Vienna.
His father, James A. Harris, and his stepmother, Doris Harris, predeceased him.
Arrangements were handled by Good Earth Crematory and he will be buried at a later date in Grafton, W.Va.
“Oh, my home is in the mountains
I am free, I am free
I am one with wind and eagles
I am free
Equipped with wings to sail gracefully
The sky, the sky
A voice that takes your breath away
I think I can fly!”
(special note)
