Joseph Harris Jr.

Joseph (Joe) Harris, Jr., 82 of Elyria, Ohio earned his wings Sunday July 16, 2023.  Joe was born in Bellamy Alabama to Pearlina (Stokes) Chaney and Joseph Harris.  A 1960 graduate of Oberlin High School, Joe excelled in the area of track and field, football and basketball in high school and college.  Known for his coaching excellence and competitive spirit, Joe produced multiple state, regional and local champions during his 21 year career at Oberlin High School.  Retirement didn’t last.  Joe continued teaching at the Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton Ohio.  In August 2022, Joe was inducted into the Lorain County Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame.  An active participant in the King’s Men choir at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Oberlin, Joe was always eager to share in the praise and worship through song.  As Past Master for the Central Star Lodge, Oberlin Ohio, his leadership continued throughout the community.  Joe is survived by his wife, Vonya, son Joseph III (Erica), step-daughters  Yvvette English, Carla (Weldon) Dixon, Kecia Larkins Austin, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, grand and great.  Sisters Elvira Lard, Barbara (Joe) Kirby. Brothers Roosevelt (Brenda) Harris,  Leroy (Lora) Harris.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Kyla L. Ross, Sister Julia Bush, Pearlie Wells. Brothers  Willie Harris,  John Harris, Chancie Harris , Eddie Harris, Willis Harris  and John Tolbert, Jr.    Cowling Funeral Home will host the visitation Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 3PM – 5 PM with a Masonic Service at 4pm.   Monday we will come together at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Oberlin, Ohio for visitation at 10AM until the time of service at 11AM with Rev. Larry C. Tuggle officiating.  Burial will follow at Westwood Cemetery.  Online condolences may be made to www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com.   To send flowers  or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Harris, Jr. please visit our floral store. Monetary donations will go towards the monumental  headstone  in memory of Joseph Harris, Jr.  

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