Richard James Harris

Richard James Harris, 89, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home at 1163 Traditions on April 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong student of history and heritage, Richard lived a life marked by curiosity, dedication, and deep affection for those he cherished. Born on July 24, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Richard was the son of Benjamin Franklin Harris and Ollie Irene Fulton Harris. He grew up in Cincinnati alongside his siblings, the late Bennett F. Harris and Maxine Mauk, carrying forward the values of family, hard work, and integrity instilled by his parents. Richard graduated from the University of Cincinnati, earning a degree in Broadcasting. His professional life reflected his creativity and technical skill, working in TV production and later as a Merchandising Representative. His career included roles with Stanley Works in drapery hardware and with WLW‑TV in Cincinnati, where he contributed to the vibrant world of early television. On April 2, 1977, Richard married the love of his life, Bonita “Bonnie” Lynn Jackson Harris, and together they shared 49 years of partnership, devotion, and adventure. Richard was a man of wide‑ranging interests: he was passionate about genealogy and ancestry, loved traveling to historic sites, and was an enthusiastic follower of college basketball. In his later years, nothing brought him more joy than watching his daughters and grandchildren grow, thrive, and pursue their own passions—especially their sports and dance activities, which he followed with pride and delight. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie Harris; his daughters Amanda Ashley Park (Robb) of Easley, SC, and Lauren Michelle Harris of Lebanon, MO; and his daughters from a previous marriage, Teresa “Traci” Brasse (Jeff) of Vero Beach, FL, and the late Kelly Anne Harris (deceased December 22, 1994). He is also survived by his grandchildren—Kiley Michelle Blake, Zachary Ryan Sinagra, Elizabeth Kate Park, and step‑grandson Dylan Robert Park—as well as his niece, Sharon Wickman of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Ollie Harris, his daughter Kelly Anne, and his siblings Bennett and Maxine. A private memorial service will be held at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church, led by Rev. Duncan Martin, with interment to follow in the Memory Garden at HLUMC, 501 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204. In honor of Richard’s faith and lifelong commitment to service, memorials are respectfully requested to Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church, https://www.hlumc.org/give Richard’s life was one of quiet strength, deep love, and enduring curiosity. His legacy lives on in the family he adored and the stories he preserved for future generations.

Richard James Harris

July 24, 1936 - April 3, 2026