Ralph C Harris

Born August 16, 1918 in Elm Grove Township, Tazewell County to Howard James and Mary May (Mann) Harris, he married Viva Clarene Long on October 12, 1940 in Keokuk, Iowa. She died February 15, 2008 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by one sister and one brother.

Surviving are one daughter, Judith C. Kimzey of Peoria; one son, Rev. Kenneth L. (Renee) Harris of Cuba, IL; two grandchildren, Chris (Jennifer) Booher of Bartonville and Valerie (Kerry) O’Connor of Westmont; five great-grandchildren, Henry O’Connor, Alice O’Connor, Anna Booher, Nola Booher and Cressa Jane Booher.

He was a World War II Navy veteran.

Ralph worked for R.G. LeTourneau prior to his military service and following his Navy service worked for Powerton. He then worked 28 years for Hyster in Peoria, retiring in 1982 as a foreman of the tool room. Following retirement, he worked for Hunter Manufacturing in Mackinaw and also for Schradzki’s Clothing in Peoria as a salesman in men’s clothing. Ralph also farmed in Elm Grove Township from 1946 to 1978.

Ralph was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he was a member, past president and longtime treasurer for the United Methodist Men. He also served the church as a 6th grade Sunday school teacher, along with his wife, for 20 years. He was the treasurer for 20 years for the United Methodist Men of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC) and a past president of the Peoria District United Methodist Men. Ralph also was a delegate to the IGRC Annual Conference for several years.

Ralph was a past president of the Pekin Community Concerts Association and had been a member of the Tremont American Legion Post 1236.

His funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2015 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Kenneth L. Harris, his son, and Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church Growing God’s Grace Building Fund, 601 N. 4th St. Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference United Methodist Men, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.