Frederick James Harris, Jr.

 passed away on January 27, 2025 in Battle Creek after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Fred was born October 18, 1949 in Melrose, MA to Mildred I (Moller) and Frederick J. Harris. Fred grew up in North Reading, Massachusetts and graduated from North Reading High School in 1969. He was a member of North Reading DeMolay and North Reading Boy Scouts. He served our country in the U S Navy from 1970 – 1974 on a Destroyer, spending most of his time in the Mediterranean. 

Fred married Linda A Ziebell in 1980 and they resided and started their family in Amesbury, Massachusetts. After 14 years they decided to relocate to Battle Creek, Michigan to be close to family. This union resulted in divorce, however, they remained friends and continued to enjoy family get togethers and activities.

He worked in several fields always being something he enjoyed, whether he was fixing a car or making home repairs or helping someone else. He built his log cabin home nestled in the woods on a piece of his family’s farm.

Fred was a very social person and enjoyed having gatherings of friends and family, playing darts, pool, cards. He loved a good party! 

Fred is survived by his daughter Amelia Lyn and son-in-law Kim Tapley, Jr of Pooler, Georgia; girlfriend, companion and care giver Anita Decker of Battle Creek, MI; former wife Linda (Steven) Newburn; Mother-in-law Elizabeth Ziebell; brother-in-law James (Teresa Phillips) Ziebell and sister-in-law Lou Ann (Gary) Duff all of Battle Creek. He is also survived by his nephew Justin (Erin) Duff and their children of Marietta, GA; niece Laura (Jason) Duff-Lenz and family of Grandville, MI and nephew Daniel (Kathy Kirincic) Fridella of Battle Creek, MI. He has many surviving cousins in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Illinois and Michigan

Fred was preceded in death by an infant brother; his father Frederick J Harris of Florida; his mother and stepfather Mildred and Roger Dea of North Reading, MA; his daughter Rena A Harris; his father-in-law Richard Ziebell of Battle Creek, MI and his nephew Chris Fridella of Battle Creek, MI.

In keeping with Fred’s wishes there will be no service. There will be a Celebration of Life at the PNA Club, 13 Claire Street, Battle Creek, MI on March 22. 2025 at 2:00 PM.

The family is being served by Richard A Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.