Jack Eugene Harris

Jack Eugene Harris, age 85 of Harrison Township, and formerly of Dalton, Georgia, died Thursday, September 8, 2016 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born February 6, 1931 in Dalton, Georgia, son of the late Austin and the late Nina (nee: Mc Entyre) Harris. At birth, he was given the name Jack. As he meandered through this journey called life, Jack's impact and influence touched countless hearts and lives through the many traits of which his character was built. Of them all, there's no question that the most profound was that electric smile he was graced with by his maker. Oh sure,…we all know how to smile, but nobody's touched the soul like that of "Smilin' Jack's "…a moniker of which he was more affectionately known by all. The most important and endearing soul that Smilin' Jack ever touched was found in the beautiful woman who eventually became his wife, Miss Margaret McDonald. These two lovebirds would meet, fall in love, and go on to share 62 wonderful years together growing deeper in love with each passing day. They were also blessed with 3 beautiful children, 9 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Within those 62 years, Jack & Margaret managed to make many heartfelt memories in the various residences they held between the north and the south,…all of them long term and relative to the specific time they were in. Originally hailing from Dalton, Georgia, this dashing southern gentleman and his beautiful southern belle would eventually make their way to Michigan where the rumors of work were exploding. The automotive industry was experiencing a boon, and Jack was just the man to hop on that Train to Success. It was the Ford Motor Company who acknowledged his skills, and the same company that Jack would spend the next 30+ years extending the utmost in dedicated service as an Axel Straightener,…right up until accepting his well-deserved retirement. Soon afterwards, he could hear the sounds of Georgia hospitality beckoning him homeward,…and to Georgia he returned to bask in the warmth of family and friends from his childhood. When Jack was not working, and even into his retirement years, he enjoyed a number of different pastimes and escapes that helped bring balance to it all. Like most guys, that often came in the form of sports,…and baseball was the name of the game. As a Georgian, that meant supporting his iconic Atlanta Braves. As a Michigander, it meant sporting a bit of the Orange & Blue while rooting on his favorite Boys of Summer, the infamous Detroit Tigers. Jack's other sporting pleasures included deer hunting and fishing, both of which were easily enjoyed no matter which residence he was at. Though he found joy in both, he probably would have told you that his favorite was fishing. Whether at Metro Beach, along the St. Clair River, or merely a quiet fishing hole in the middle of nowhere,…Jack simply loved to fish. Jack was also known to strap on his favorite sneakers and join the throngs of Mall Walkers who were working on both their health as well as the wonderful friendships made in the process. He loved being active and making the best of his time whenever possible. And yes, he also enjoyed many moments at home in the easy chair watching his favorite channel on television, ME TV. It's renowned for airing many of the old favorites most of us grew up watching, like the ever-popular, Andy Griffith Show. Andy Griffith was tops on Jack's list of entertainers, both as an actor and a singer as well. Jack will also be remembered for his deep and abiding faith,…he truly loved the Lord. It showed in so many aspects of his life, especially in the wonderful job he did in sharing it with his family. Many may have contemplated just how a person can smile as much as Jack did, but then you simply needed to consider his faith,…and the mystery was solved. Yet of all his passions in life, everything else paled in comparison to his love and admiration for his family. Each moment in their presence filled him with joy, and the memories they created together were cherished and treasured. For so many reasons, Jack's memory is sure to be remembered and embraced with each reflection shared by family and friends alike. He will be missed beyond expression, and loved beyond measure. Rest in peace, dear brother.Jack was the beloved husband of Margaret, his cherished wife of 62 years, who preceded him in death on September 28, 2014. He was the dearest father of Michael (Del) Harris, Theresa (Scott) Whibley, and Kathy (Darryl) Dettloff. Loving grandfather of Jennifer, Jessica (Greg), Michael, Christopher, Paul (Stephanie), Jonathan (Mary), Jeremy (Melissa), Shauna (Nicholas), and Chelsea (Brian). He is also the treasured great-grandfather of Priya, Elsa, Grayson, Justin, Paige, Jillian, Kaitlin, Jacob, Harrison, Benjamin, Becca, Lindsey, Derek, Grace, Hunter, Lila, Ava, and Oliver. Visitation for Jack will take place on Sunday, September 11th from 4:30 pm – 8 pm, with a 7pm Funeral Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Following his Michigan services, Jack will return to his home state of Georgia where further arrangements are planned. His Georgia Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 14th from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720. His Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, with the family welcoming guests at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the West Hill Cemetery in Dalton, Georgia. Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076.Please share memories of Jack at his memory book above.