Russell Allen Harris

He was born in Canton, OH on November 12, 1942. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Robert R. Harris and the greatest force in his life, Grace Zorger (Harris).

He is survived by his oldest daughter, Natalie McCandless and her husband Chris of Frisco, Texas, middle son Steve and his wife Kristen and their boys Andrew and Blake Harris of Dallas, Texas, and youngest daughter Valerie Harris of Dalton, Ohio, from his first wife, Linda. Additionally, surviving is his sister, Nancy and Gary Boone of Massillon and Robert and Verneil Harris of Canton, including two nieces, four nephews and their children. The family is grateful to Mercy Hospital and Glenwood Rehabilitation for his end of life care giving.

In 1958, Russ obtained the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Washington High School in Massillon, OH and graduated from Malone College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts and pursued his Masters degree in Physical Education at Kent State University. Russ was a prolific athlete and promoted a lifetime of preventive medicine for himself and others as Athletic Director at the Massillon and downtown Canton YMCA. Throughout his career he founded the Canton Road Runners club, Amoco Marathon and won several individual and team handball, racquetball and running titles across the country. In 1968, he completed his first Boston Marathon and then finished again in 1972 and 1978.

Through the founding of the Aerobic Center in Dallas, the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa in Houston and LivingWell Fitness Centers, Russ was a friend to all members, including professional athletes, coaches and celebrities. As a special consultant with the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Harris developed The National Fitness Test at the request of Coach George Allen, appointed as Chairman by President Ronald Reagan. Prior to his retirement, he launched his next career in the water treatment and purification industry in Burnet, Texas.

Arrangements are being handled by Karlo-Libby Funeral Home in Canton, Ohio and are pending at this time. He will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to YMCA of Central Stark County, 4700 Dressler Rd. NW, Canton, OH, 44718, Russell Harris Memorial Gifts, Attn: Rich Micelli or to https://donate.ymcastark.org/give/292375/#!/donation/checkout.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.karlofh.com.