Thomas J. Harris

Thomas (Tom) Joseph Harris died early on December 6, 2024 at his home at the age of 87. He was born in Detroit, MI on March 18, 1937 to his parents Clayton and Ella Mae. He was the first of three children, including his brother Patrick (who preceded him in death) and his sister Ann (Hebert). As a child he was baptized into the life of Christ Jesus in the Catholic Church. Tom was in the United States Navy Reserve during High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. Later he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served until June of 1962. Tom was a hardworking faithful Catholic, a devoted husband and father. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Phyllis (Campbell/MacEachern). Together they shared 65 years of marriage and family life. God blessed them with five children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Their children are Brad, Mark (his wife Dawn), Nancy (her husband Neil Villarreal), Scott (his wife Jackie), and Pam (her husband Fred Rancour). Their grandchildren are Paul Harris (his wife Alisha), Ryan Harris (his wife Lindsey), Amanda (her husband Aaron Brandt), Daniel Villarreal, Aaron Villarreal (his wife Megan), Trevor Harris (his wife Sarah), Austen Harris, Jenna Harris, Megan Rancour, Allison Rancour, Emily Rancour, and Matthew Rancour. Their great grandchildren are Dean, Dallas, Mia, Cole, Wyatt, Sutton, and Jax. Tom worked most of his life as a tool & die maker. In his early years he worked at Bower Roller Bearing Co., then as an owner of R&T Tool & Die Engineering Co. Later he worked at Ford Motor Company and then became a tool maker at Warner-Lambert (Parke-Davis) from where he retired in 2002. Tom was a virtuous man, full of joy, happiness and forgiveness. He loved doing anything with family and friends, especially camping, fishing, golfing, and hosting annual corn roasts. Celebrating family birthdays and anniversaries were always a top priority for Tom & Phyllis. Together they went to countless football games, baseball games, track meets, dance performances, and musical performances to cheer on and support their children and grandchildren. He was also an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan. Tom was very involved in life at St. Ephrem Catholic Church between 1965-1981. He was a catechist and a bus driver for the children. At St. Jane Francis De Chantal (1981-2024) he was a choir member and cantor. He was on the parish council and the building committee that led the fundraising for the new church that was built in 2000. He loved singing in the annual Christmas musical programs with the church choir. His heart was in helping the poor through St. Vincent DePaul (10 years) and the St. Jane Francis’s annual MCREST team that provided temporary housing and transportation for the homeless (13 years). In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent de Paul at St. Jane Francis de Chantal Catholic Church, 38750 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 would be appreciated. Details for the Friday visitation and Saturday Funeral Mass are on the bottom of the mandziukfuneralhome.com obituary webpage.

Thomas J. Harris

March 18, 1937 - December 6, 2024