Richard A. Harris, Sr.

Richard A. Harris, Sr., 70, of Smithfield, OH, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 in Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville, OH.

Richard was born May 3, 1946 in Smithfield, son of the late Thomas and Christine (Hemphill) Harris.

He retired from the U.S. Army as an SFC/E-7 having served his country in the Vietnam War. Richard was a member and current Commander of the Smithfield American Legion Post 396.

While in the Army Richard received various awards including Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Def. Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 3 Stars, Republic of Vietnam Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Armed Forces Exp. Medal (Korea), Overseas Service Bars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm Unit, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, John, Thomas, Frank, James, Lawrence and Robert and sisters, Sylvia Dameron, Zella Stanton and Alberta Dixon.

He leaves behind his wife, Etta J. (Manley) Harris whom he married May 23, 1968; his daughter, Rhonda (Dionisio) Hernandez of Ft. Worth, TX; three sons, Richard A. (Wendy) Harris, Jr. of Washington, PA, Jason (Alyssa) Harris of Mingo Jct., OH and Joseph Harris of Weirton, WV; two sisters, Virginia (Ernest) Peterson of Wintersville, OH and Bernice Wilson of Columbus, OH; one brother, Clarence (Elizabeth) Harris of Smithfield; his nine grandchildren.

Visitation for Richard will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 am at the Smithfield Presbyterian Church in Smithfield. Rev. Melody Essex will officiate and burial will follow in Northern Cemetery in Smithfield. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 10 am til time of service at 11. Military Honors will be presented graveside by the Smithfield American Legion.

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