John W. Harris

HARRIS, John W. (The King), age 71 of Kettering passed away Friday, October 8, 2021. He was a graduate of Stivers High School in 1968. His first job after high school was working in the freezer at Liberal Market where he was a Teamster and a union steward. From there he went into the restaurant industry and worked as a general manager for many restaurants including DeLites, Frisch’s, Noble Romans Pizza and finally Ponderosa. It was at this restaurant that he met a man from Miami Cigar Company who encouraged him to start his own wholesale business which he did in 1990. He retired from his entrepreneurship in 2008.

He was a devoted husband and loving family man who enjoyed coaching his children in their various sports. He loved watching his grandchildren play all sports and would always keep their stats. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing softball, bowling, playing cards and was a passionate sports fan. His favorite teams were the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, UD flyers, and the Cincinnati Reds. He was an avid sports card collector. He enjoyed music from the 50’s, 60’s and his favorite artist was Elvis Presley. John was the kind of man who never met a stranger, always talking to them about history, current events, and anything and everything about sports. He was known to many as The King, Big Dawg and Harry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Harris and Nancy L. Davis and grandmother Mary D. Davis. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Suzanne L. Harris, children Stephanie A. Harris, Jonathan B. Harris, Matthew J. Harris his wife Christina, and Jeffrey M. Harris. He has two sisters, Marsha Ryles and Hope Harris Carmack, two brothers, Billy Harris and Chris Harris. Grandchildren include Elex H.Walker, Kennedy A. Bowling and husband, Logan F. Bowling, Caleb A. Harris, Payton M. Harris, Braylon J. Harris and great grandson Will O. Bowling, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will greet friends 5-7PM on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E Stroop Rd, Kettering, Ohio 45429. The funeral services will be at 10:00 am Friday, October 15, 2021 at Routsong Funeral Home 2100 E Stroop Rd, Kettering, Ohio 45429. Burial at Heritage Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.