Edison Gene Harris

Edison Gene Harris 1925 a€" 2013 commonly known as Ted Harris died Saturday November 9th 2013 at his home surrounded by family from cause's incident to age. He was 88 years old. Ted was born in Layton Utah on January 25th 1925 to Ezra P. Harris and Emma G. Stimpson Harris. Throughout his life he had an unwavering dedication to family. He was born on the family farm and homestead on Easy St. (now known as Hill Field Rd in Layton). He grew up in the fields thinning beets and harvesting tomatoes as a young boy where he learned the value and ethic of hard work. He graduated from Davis High School where he lettered in all sports and was in student government. As a young enlistee with the US Navy Ted sailed around the globe and served our country valiantly on the USS California battleship during World War II. As a fire controlman he survived many invasions and heavy air attack aboard ship in the South Pacific, carrying out battles and invasions of the Tinian, Guam, Saipan and the Mariana Islands. He was discharged from the US Navy as a Petty Officer First Class. Ted gave credit to many of his life achievements and success's to his military experiences and service. Miraculously Ted returned home Alive! Ted always said if he could just get back home alive to Layton he wasn't leaving again. And for the most part he kept that promise. Upon Ted's returning home from military service he attended the Utah State Agricultural College where he made the basketball team by walking on. He married his sweetheart Jeri Jones 67 years ago this coming January in the Salt Lake Temple. They had 7 children and made a life for themselves in Layton building a home on Antelope Dr. Ted was a devoted husband, father and family man with a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully in many church callings thought his life. He cherished his membership in the LDS church. Early in his career he worked as a fireman at the Navy base in Clearfield, later devoting 32 years to the Federal Government in civil service. At the age of 50 Ted was able to retire and begin a new career as a real estate broker finding much success in his new career. Ted and Jeri loved the many summers at their Bear Lake cabin, where they provided a beautiful place for family and friends to come and enjoy. Ted was a jack of all trades and never thought twice about tackling a job or project. Ted and Jeri spent 9 years of service working in the Ogden Temple and made many long and lasting relationships which have been cherished and nurtured over the last 20 years. They enjoyed spending winters at their place in St. George where they made new friends and acquaintances that will never be forgotten. One of Ted's outstanding qualities was upon meeting strangers, he was able to find out everything about them in just a few minutes. He would discover where they were from and who their parents were and where they lived. Ted always loved music from the likes of Frank Sinatra and the Big Band era to Lawrence Welk where he rarely missed a program. He could be found dancing with mom from time to time around the living room on a Saturday night. He was a God fearing man who was devoted to a lifelong commitment of service to his family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, 6 children and 36 grandchildren 57 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. His children are Ted (Joan) Harris, Lyle Boss, Emelyn (Joe) Bagley, Ryan (Robin) Harris, Eugene Harris, John (Lynette) Harris and Tami (Lloyd) Egan. Preceded in death, by his daughter, Florence Ann Harris Boss. Ted will be missed for the strength and commitment and love he rendered to all who passed his way. His children and grandchildren will remember "not to take any wooden nickels." A viewing will be held in his honor Friday, November 15, 2013 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Lincoln Ward on 625 Antelope Dr., Layton Utah. Funeral Services following on Saturday November 16, 2013 at 11:00 am. We would like thank HCNU hospice the tender loving care of our Husband and father. Goodnight Grandpa, sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite and don't take any wooden nickels..