Richard Harris

HARRIS, Richard V. noted local residential designer, passed away July 31, 2017, in Paoli, Pennsylvania. He was 89 years old. Richard was born in Flint, Michigan, to John and Verna (Groat) Harris on April 2, 1928. He graduated from Linden High School and attended Michigan State University, earning an Associate Degree in Horticulture. He was inducted into the Army in 1950, and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class, serving as a tank commander stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Upon his discharge from the service in 1952, Richard returned to Flint and worked in the building industry. He became a self-taught, home designer and eventually started his own business designing homes and providing construction management services. All of the homes Richard designed were "a labor of love" and no two were alike. They were some of the largest, most modern and unique homes in Flint and the surrounding area. He worked for several years in conjunction with builder Tom Staley of Flushing, and their collaboration won them many "Best of Show" awards in the annual Flint Parade of Homes. Richard was a member for many years of the West Flint Optimist Club and also a past president. Richard married Mildred Rockwell in 1951. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary shortly before her death, in 2011. He is also preceded in death by a daughter, Kathleen Green. Richard is survived by his loving daughter, Nancy McLelland, her husband Michael, four grandchildren and two great granddaughters. A memorial service is planned for 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2017, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to Home of the Sparrow, 969 E. Swedesford Road, Exton, PA 19341, www.homeofthesparrow.org. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation

Saturday, August 12, 2017 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States