Wayne F. Harris' Obituary
Sixty-eight years.
In terms of life, it doesn’t seem long. But that depends on perspective.
Wayne Frederick Harris, who passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, lived 68 years.
Wayne was born and grew up in Syracuse, N.Y., and attended Henninger High School. He married young and spent nearly 50 years with his wife. He had two children. He loved his family fiercely and worked hard to ensure they had good lives.
Speaking of work, you name it, he did it. He drove an ice cream delivery truck. He was a salesman of many things – liquor, construction equipment, cleaning supplies. He settled into a role with the New York State Department of Transportation and retired as a pavement marking supervisor after more than 20 years of service. He took immense pride in his work, no matter the task.
He loved to fish and bought an old wooden boat from a friend. He refurbished it, got it seaworthy and spent countless hours on Oneida Lake and other Central New York waterways with friends and family. He brought home fresh fish for dinner sometimes.
He fixed cars – so many cars – using his knowledge, Chilton manuals, colorful language and sometimes even scraps of sheet metal. He had a brilliant mind that was a perfect mix of intelligence and common sense.
People called him Big Wayne. He was indeed large – in stature and personality. He stood over 6 feet tall, was boisterous, gregarious and had a quick wit.
He was a pain – in fact, his self-moniker was “Wayne the Pain.” He was stubborn and tough until the end. He was respected and loved, and he will be missed beyond words.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Barbara (Moore); a daughter, Kymberli; a son, Doug (Emily); a grandson, Connor; a sister, Deborah Petitto; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Harris; his mother, Marjorie Harris (Jones); his brother, Robert Harris Jr.; and Jackson, a Jack Russell terrier who liked to share meals with him and steal his socks.
Services are private. His family thanks everyone for their love, support and prayers during this time.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back.” – Irish proverb
What’s your fondest memory of Wayne?
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