Michael Alan Harris, 74, of Spring Valley, Ohio, passed away at home on February 8, 2022 after a long battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Mike was born on June 23, 1947 to Everett Charles Harris and Betty Jo Eakins in Indianapolis, Indiana. After graduating from Plainfield High School in 1965, Mike went on to study at IUPUI and eventually became a skilled tradesman in the printing and engraving arts. Mike worked for over 40 in the printing industry before moving into retail. Mike worked at Home Depot for several years and excelled in every department. He was among the top appliance salesman in southwest Ohio. In 1969, Mike married Linda Ruth Howard and they had four children together, Chris, Rich, Leah and Sarah. In 2004, Mike married Gail Schleinitz who remained by his side throughout his illness.

Mike had a staunch work ethic, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Chris, Rich, Leah and Sarah, and always tried his best to support them.

Mike enjoyed life to its fullest when he could. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, reading, and exploring historic Civil War battlefields. He loved to vacation in the Smokey Mountains and was able to make one last journey there this past October. Mike loved basketball and he and his daughter, Leah, would spend much of the season discussing their top picks for the NCAA tournament. Mike also was a car enthusiast and enjoyed working on various car restoration projects with his son Rich.

Anyone who knew Mike knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. His friends knew him as someone who was always kind and always willing to help. Mike was predeceased by his parents Everett and Betty Jo Harris, his brother Donnie, his mother-in-law Lina and father-in-law Jim Schleinitz. He is survived by his children Christopher (Vicky) Harris of Verona Ohio, Richard (Wendy) Harris of Xenia, Ohio, Leah (Scott Hengert) Cooper of Granger, Indiana, and Sarah (Benny) Leech of Dayton, Ohio. Mike is also survived by his devoted and loving wife of 17 years, Gail Harris, one grandson, Walker Harris, and brother-in-law, Duane (Anita) Schleinitz. Mike was a lover of animals and leaves behind Sandy, Sophie, Isabel and Duggar.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to St. Jude, where the important work of cancer research can continue. There will be a celebration of life planned soon.

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