Ralph J. Harris, 88, died on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014 at 11:24 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, Lima.

He was born on June 11, 1926, in Woodville, Ohio, to James Harvey and Julia M. (Bird) Harris and they preceded him in death. On Aug. 15, 1950 he married D. Elaine McGillvary and she died on Jan. 12, 1981. He later married Anna M. Stubbs on Feb. 25, 1984 and she survives in Lakeview.

Mr. Harris retired from Ford Motor Co., Lima, after working for 33 years as a tool maker. He was a farmer throughout his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served during WWII. He was a former member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, Ada. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #1533 and Eagles Lodge #3616 of Lakeview, Kenton Elks Lodge #157, the Lima VFW Post #1275 and the American Legion Post  #96 of Lima.

He was a past president of the Ada Athletic Boosters. 

Also surviving are five children: Steven Harris of Bonita Springs, Fla., Daniel Harris of Bradenton, Fla., Tim Harris of Ada, Randy (Vanessa) Harris of Crowley, La., and Stacy (George) Wolber of Ada; two step daughters: Sondra (Dave) Jester of Middletown, and Cherie (Tom) Harrison) Lima; 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, four step grandchildren, thirteen step great grandchildren and one step great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by five sisters: Nina Crone, Millie O’Connell, Lucille Goliver, Maybelle “Cookie” Tidd and Bonnie Buller; an infant brother; and an infant granddaughter.

Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada with Pastor Gus Guthrie officiating. Graveside Burial will be conducted by the Lima VFW Post #1275 Honor Guard. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada.

Friends may call 4-8 Pp.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada and from noon to 1 p.m.- on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.