Forrest James Harris' Obituary
Forrest James Harris, age 83, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021 in Greenville. He was born in Big Rapids on July 10, 1937 to Raymond and Laura (Strong) Harris. His family moved to Muskegon in the 1940s where he remained a life long resident. Forrest served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1961 until 1966 after which he worked at S.D. Warren in Muskegon until retirement after 38 years. In 1969 he married the former Eloise Cwanek from Chicago and after 18 years of marriage she preceded him in death on January 26, 1988. Forrest was a self taught piano player and accordion player who loved to entertain friends and family. He was also an outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, and nature’s wonders. His family was his life, and he was always ready and willing to spend time with each and every one of them. He always made everyone feel special and welcome and important to him. He would help anyone with anything they asked for at a moments notice without judgement or expectations of restitution. He had a huge heart, we could never understand how it could even fit in his chest.
A quote Dad liked is of an old man saying to the young man, “As you are, I once was and as I am you will be. You have nothing to say about when you come into the world or when you leave it.”
Survivors include two siblings, Francis Harris and Ann (Harris) Thomas; three children, Jeffrey, Wayne, and Rodney Harris; daughters-in-law, Dawn, Michelle, and Lisa Harris; eight grandchildren, Cody, Taylor, Saniell, and Gillyan; Joshua and Megan; Brendan and Mason. Forrest was also preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Floyd, Jack, and Bruce Harris. A private burial will take place at a later date.
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