Raymond Catron Harris

Raymond Catron Harris, 87, of Pittsfield, Illinois, (formerly of Olive Hill, Kentucky), passed away August 7, 2021, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Raymond was born March 5, 1934, a son of the late Chester Price and Martha Vesta (Catron) Harris on Mauk Ridge in Elliott County, Kentucky. He married Janice Rae Mabry on July 2, 1960, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage this summer.

In addition to his wife Jan, he is survived by his children, Shanna and Jerry Edison of Pittsfield, Illinois, Scott and Pam Harris of Richmond, Kentucky, Stephanie and John Stamper of Morehead, Kentucky, and grandchildren: James Catron (and Catie) Harris, Christopher Aaron (and Courtney) Edison, Brandon Ray (and Tori) Edison, Matthew Scott (and Meredith) Harris, and Megan Nicole Harris Littleton, and step-grandchildren: Latysha (and Daniel) Potter and Harley Marsici.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Chester Price Harris, Jr. and Kay of Elliott County, Kentucky, Elwood and Helen Harris, of Frankfort Kentucky, Barbara Harris Marshall of Grayson, Kentucky, and Virginia Lee (Jenny) Mabry Lewis of Skokie, Illinois, and JR and Phyllis (Burchett) Mabry of Peebles, Ohio.

He enjoyed spending time with and hearing from his great-grandchildren: Preston Lee Littleton, Grant James Harris, Luke Joseph Harris, Raylon Catron Littleton, Maverick Lawrence Harris, Peyton Renee Edison, Caroline Rae Edison, Mallory Margaret Harris, and Bryant Kane Edison, and step great-grandchildren: Jake Rowan Potter, Griffin Layne Potter, and Emry Claire Potter.

Raymond leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and friends that will sadly mourn his passing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Talmadge Kendall Harris, and Charlie D Harris; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Maxine and Charlie Wallace and Jean and Marvin Wilson; a sister-in-law, Thelma Horton Harris; a niece, Heather Harris Bruiser; a brother-in-law, Larry Lewis; and his parents-in law, Enoch and Ruby Duncan Mabry.  

Raymond was a graduate of Sandy Hook High School and attended Morehead State University. He began his adult life as a teacher in Elliott County at Shady Grove and Mauk Schools, a farmer, and a deck hand for Ashland Oil on the Ohio River. Throughout his life and his many ventures, he continued his love of gardening and farming.  He was an avid UK fan, a member of the First Christian Church in Olive Hill, and a 50+ years member of the Hepburn Lodge #576, Sandy Hook, Kentucky.  He loved people; and never met a stranger. He helped family, friends, and neighbors, and anyone in need.

A private family visitation will be held in Barry, Illinois.

Family visitation will be at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021, at First Christian Church in Olive Hill, KY. Friends may visit at 6:00 p.m. and Masonic Rites will be at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21 at First Christian Church with Jerry Edison officiating. Visitation begins at 11 a.m. Interment will be following at Clark Cemetery located on Route 504 in Elliott County, Kentucky.

Pallbearers are Jamie Harris, Christopher Edison, Brandon Edison, Matthew Harris, Preston Littleton, Talmadge K (Tally) Harris, Jr., Kevin Littleton Harris, Chad Jason Lewis, and William Kendall (Will) Harris. Honorary pallbearers are Chester Price Harris, Jr., Elwood Harris, Donnie Owens, Sr., Dayton (Doc) Porter, Kevin Kiser, and Michael Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Claire Foundation Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Fund, 222 Medical Circle, Morehead KY 40351, and the Masonic Home, Louisville, KY 40041. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, Illinois, and Duvall & Moore Funeral Home in Olive Hill, Kentucky, handling arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond Catron Harris, please visit our floral store.