Pirate Joe Harris

Pirate Joe Harris, 87, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 20, 1938, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Joe Harris and Annie Pearl Hawkins, Pirate lived a life full of love, laughter, and devotion to those he held dear. Pirate dedicated 32 years of his life to the State of Ohio’s Pharmaceutical Services Department. A true sports fan, Pirate was an avid supporter of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Minnesota Vikings. His love of sports extended to the ballparks, where he enjoyed watching baseball in person, and he never missed a chance to cheer for

his favorite teams. Outside of sports, Pirate’s passions were many. He loved the beach, fishing, and cooking up his catches for family and friends. Pirate was always up for a trip, whether it was to the beach to explore or simply a day at the bowling alley. His love for buffets and food was legendary, as was his playful sense of humor—he had a knack for scaring people and then cracking a joke to lighten the moment. Above all, Pirate’s greatest love was for his family, especially his grandchildren. He had a unique way of making everyone around him feel special. He and his wife, Patsy Ann Harris, affectionately called each other “Devil” and “Dear,” a testament to the deep bond they shared over their 44 years together. Pirate was preceded in death by his father, Joe Harris; mother, Annie Hawkins; son, Pirate J. Harris Jr.; brother, Morris Hawkins Jr.; and step-son, Mark Akers. He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy Ann Harris; children, Antonio Harris, Patricia Kim Harris, and Pirate Joseph Harris; step-children, RayeAnn Tucker, Sherri Townsend, Tracy Brigner, Shonda Price, Sylvia Madison, and Yolonda Ndiath; numerous grandchildren; siblings, Joe Billy Hawkins, Michaun Harris, and Latonya (Darryl) Pittman; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger Hilltop, 3030 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204. A graveside service and interment will follow at 1:00 pm at Sunset Cemetery, 6959 W. Broad Street, Galloway, Ohio 43119. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to a charity of your choice or spend time with your loved ones in Pirate’s honor—living life with the same humor, joy, and love that he did.