Sammy Leon Harris

Sammy Harris, 85, of Grafton joined the heavenly choir on Friday June 6th surrounded by his loving family. Sammy was born in Stumptown, West Virginia to Alva and Delpha Harris. He was one of many children, being preceded in death by his brothers Kenneth, Clarence, and Alva and sisters Betty, Minnie, Jean, Sue, Lyda, Nellie, Wanda, and Delores. They and their remaining sister Lou were a part of the Harris Family Singers for many years, traveling all over and spreading their love of gospel music with as many folks as they could reach. Sam was an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his summers and falls hunting and fishing with his family back home and here in Ohio. He married the love of his life Imogene (neé Gumm) Harris in 1963 after leaving the Army and settling in Ohio for work. He worked for General Motors for 29 years, only retiring to take care of Imogene after she became disabled and wheelchair bound. He looked after her for the last decade of her life as a full time caregiver while still making time for his loving grandchildren and friends. He spent his last few years doting on his great-granddaughters and watching all three of his grandchildren grow into successful professionals. Friends will remember Sam as a devoted man of God, NASCAR enthusiast, lover of West (by God) Virginia, and a relentless philanthropist. He gave to many charities, including the Navajo Nation. He was always the first to volunteer to buy something for the church- particularly the children’s ministry. He also gave freely of his time, using his love of driving to take friends to appointments and see new sights as well as stuffing thousands of Easter eggs for the annual hunt at the church. He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Dave) Kundtz, grandchildren Katelyn Kundz, Jackie Manosky and Josh (Erica) Manosky, and great-granddaughters Estelle and Veronica Manosky. He was preceded in death by his wife Imogene, daughter and son in law Pam and Mike Manosky, and much of his extended family. Visitation will be on Friday, June 12th from 10am-12pm with the service immediately after at Sugar Ridge Baptist Church- 36600 Sugar Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. Internment will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman on Tuesday, June 16th at 12:15. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to Sugar Ridge Baptist Church. Sammy’s family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff at Keystone Pointe for their impeccable care of all of them, particularly in his final days. The care and support was much appreciated and the kindness will never be forgotten.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elyria.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com