Garry Harris

Garry Lee Harris passed on to glory on September 4th at the Laurels of Worthington just 3 days after his 71st birthday. Ironically, he transitioned on the same day and at the same place as his mother transitioned 15 years earlier. Garry was the son of Evelyn and Earl Harris and gave his life to Christ at an early age. In his early years was an active member of Hosack Baptist Church (now Resurrection Baptist Church). He grew up on the Westside of Columbus and was a 1971 graduate of Central High School where he played drums in the marching band and received training on operating print shop equipment. He received an advanced degree in printing from Columbus State University. He was fortunate to make printing his career choice. Garry worked in Printing at Blue Cross Blue Shield for several years before moving on to Print Shop Operator at Worthington Industries. He even bought his own printing equipment and printed stationery, envelopes, fliers and business cards for his own clients, family and friends (for a fee of course)! As much as Garry enjoyed printing, when he was approaching retirement, he found that working at the Schottenstein Center in Guest Services was his dream job. He was fortunate to meet many famous entertainers, took pictures with some and watched the basketball and other games at no charge because he was working at the events.

Garry enjoyed fishing, basketball and golf. His love for fishing began on trips with his father and brother. He played basketball as a young adult on Boy’s Club teams, coached his son’s basketball teams, and later played on adult teams. It was at Worthington Industries that Garry was introduced to the game of golf, as he inquired where everyone disappeared to on Friday afternoons. He was told they were on the Golf Team and either went to practice or participate in a tournament. The VP gave him his first set of golf clubs and invited him to join the team, and that was all it took. He’s been an avid golfer ever since. As he grew older his love for fishing and basketball continued with what became a circle of close friends who played basketball, went fishing and golfed together. They call themselves “A Circle of Friends” to this day.

Garry loved life. He made friends easily and always had a joke, funny story to tell or would do something silly to make you laugh. He would always say he never met a stranger. Garry loved family, he loved friends, and he loved the Lord.

Garry Lee Harris will be remembered by his loving, caring and devoted wife of just 8 years, Gloria. In addition, Garry will remain in the hearts of his sons, Garry Lee II and Michael; sister Rita (Gerard “Gerry”) Green of Maryland, sister-in-law Victoria Harris, step children Sarona, Moses and Melody Williams. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, step grand and great-grand children and friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his only brother, James Vernon Harris.