Russel "Russ" Leroy Harris, age 96, of Xenia, OH passed away on May 31, 2023 at Greene Memorial Hospital. Russ was born on March 14, 1927 in Racine, OH to the late Lee Roy and Susie (Circle) Harris.

Russ is survived by his wife of 75 years: Patricia (Merriman) Harris of Xenia; children: David Harris of Xenia, Dennis Harris of Xenia, and DeAnn Richards of Jamestown; 13 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren; sister: Leta Thordsen of Cedarville; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: Tom and Jan Merriman of Xenia, Sue and Paul Morris of Xenia, and Janet Merriman of Xenia; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his children: Debra Thompson and Donald Harris; 2 great granddaughters; 1 great great grandson; 2 sisters; and 6 brother-in-laws.

Russ graduated from Xenia High School in the second graduating class of 1945. Russ retired from GM after 38 years of service. He was a current member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church where he was a trustee, teacher, and youth group volunteer. Russ was also a former member of the Old Timers Club, Knights of Pythias, and Caeser's Creek Grange. Russ and Pat spent 4 years of their life together as foster parents to 35 children, with a majority of them being special needs. Russ was the official "family driving instructor" In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, chair weaving, camping, and fishing.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Xenia Evangelical United Methodist Church, 195 West Third Street, Xenia, OH 45385, with Pastor Tom Hite and Rev. Don Payne officiating. Interment will follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM on Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to: Xenia Evangelical United Methodist Church, 195 West Third Street, Xenia, OH 45385. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com.