Virgil Lyle Harris Jr.

Virgil Lyle Harris, Jr, age 78, of Hamilton passed away peacefully at home July 18, 2026, surrounded by his son, daughter, grandson, and sister-in-law, Janie Harris. He was born January 19, 1948 in Cincinnati,(Reading) Ohio. Virgil is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan Harris (nee White); his children, Bob (Janice) Cunningham, Jerry (Sonja) Harris, and Heather Shinabery; his grandchildren, Sophia (Zachary) Allen, Micah Shinabery, Danielle (Denny) Howard, Rob (Elisa) Beckman, Michael (Angela) Beckman; and great Grandchildren, Macie and Chloe Allen, Eliza, Aubrey, and Hudson Howard, Olivia Beckman. There are countless other family, friends, and members of the community that will remember him as a man of great character and he will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Sr. and Annetta; his brother, Rick Harris; and his great-granddaughter, Julia Shinabery. Virgil lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, service to his country, church, and long-standing professional career.

Virgil was a proud Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1973 as part of the "Red Devils" Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, during the Vietnam War. He went on to build a successful career as a Pipefitter spanning over 60 years in industrial HVAC and Mechanical Equipment Services. He was an instructor for Pipefitters Local 392 as well as a UA instructor for over 30 years. His knowledge and work ethic left a lasting impression on colleagues, students, and anyone who had the privilege to meet him. It is well known that he was a man of few words, but when he would speak everyone listened.

Virgil was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, camping and especially fishing. He had many treasured fishing trips with his brother Rick, and son Jerry. He volunteered as an instructor for the State of Ohio Hunter Safety program and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Later in life he found his calling to the church and converted to Catholicism. He committed himself to become a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered his time generously to the Knights of Columbus and also to his church community. Virgil was also a carpenter, plumber, electrician, mechanic, horseman, chef, and had many other talents. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, fix, or build.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home located at 1350 Millville Ave, Hamilton, OH 45013. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 222 Hamilton Ave, Trenton, OH 45067. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon provided following the service in the church hall.