Harold "Hal" Harris

Harold T. Harris, AKA Hal Harris, a renowned local musician known for his calm spirit and friendliness, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, in Tipp City, Ohio. Born on December 21, 1928 in red Ash, Virginia, Hal lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to family, friends, and music.

As a proud veteran, Hal served in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he even managed to play trombone in the Army. He was a music teacher for 17 years and also made a career as a piano technician, as well as orchestra leader of his own band, The Hal Harris Orchestra. In 2009, Hal was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Music by Tom Daugherty. Hal was a social butterfly; he never knew a stranger. His laid back personality and genuine warmth made him a cherished friend and confidant. He found joy in music enough that almost everything reminded him of a song and he would start humming it. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him understood his home was filled with laughter, love and lots of musical instruments.

Hal leaves behind a loving family who will deeply miss him. He is survived by his children, Michael Harris, Anne (Tim) Spurrier, Steve Harris, Brian (Lori) Harris, and Beth (Brian) Dean. He also leaves behind cherished memories with his grandchildren, Tyler, Lauryan, Jordan, Zach, Sarah, and Travis, as well as his great grand-children, Lincoln, Hadley, and Vienna. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Kappes.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Patricia Harris, as well as his parents, Thomas and Maude Harris, and his brother, Roy Harris, and sister Joan Harris. Their spirits undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a funeral service at Newcomer Funeral Home – North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd. Dayton, OH 45424. Burial to follow with military honors at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens in Tipp City, OH.

As family and friends gather to remember Hal, they will celebrate a life well-lived. He will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.