| It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Active Honorary Lifetime Member Jerry L. Harris. He was currently serving on the Executive Committee that represents our fire company at the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association and the Maryland State Firemen's Association, as he has done for many years.
Jerry Lee Harris, age 79, of Taneytown, MD, died Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at his home, following a brief illness. Born April 15, 1941 in Union Bridge, MD, he was the son of the late Wilson and Bessie Catharine Ricketts Harris. He was the husband of Jean L. Eppler Harris, his wife of 55 years. He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Harris; sister-in-law, Betty Jane Bohn Harris; brother-in-law, Ron Brady; and nephew, Mike Harris.
Jerry attended 1st through 12th grade at Elmer Wolfe High School in Union Bridge and graduated in 1959. He trained and served in the Army National Guard from 1963-1974. Jerry was a car salesman for Crouse Ford Sales, Inc., Taneytown, MD for 28 years, retiring in 2006, where he made many lifetime friends. Prior to that he owned and operated a trucking business for 6 years and worked 15 years in men's clothing at the Union Bridge Clothing Co., Inc. He was a member of Plymouth Lodge #143 A.F. & A.M., Union Bridge and Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster, MD.
Jerry was a dedicated, active honorary life member of the Union Bridge Fire Co., for 62 years, joining in May 1959 and served as Treasurer for 5 years and Vice President for 5 years. He was instrumental in several fire department accomplishments including serving on the new building committee and chairman of the first 25 week club, now the 30 week club. In his younger years he served as carnival chairman for 20 years and could be found selling raffle tickets in the chance stand. He also served as a delegate to the MD State Firemen's Association for more than 30 years. Jerry served in many positions in the Carroll County Firemen's Association and was past president of the Carroll Co. Firemen's Association in 1988-89. He was elected into the CCVESA Hall of Fame in 1998. He was chairman of the Past Presidents Club from 1999-2014.
Jerry enjoyed reminiscing "the good times" at the Fountain in Union Bridge, playing the pinball machines before school, Pappy Grimes' in New Windsor shooting pool, owning his '57 Chevy and riding to Ameche's on Reisterstown Road with his friends. He especially enjoyed vacation camping trips, family picnics, high school class reunion get togethers, Hawaii in 1977 and numerous bus trips. Jerry loved model railroading, feeding the backyard birds and Koi fish; and was an enthusiastic fan of the Baltimore Orioles. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Please raise your glass and have a sip in memory of Jerry.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are children, Tammy Harris of Frederick, Brian Harris of Taneytown and Steven Harris of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Tyler Harris of Gettysburg, PA and Cheyenne Gonzalez and husband Jose of Fort Lauderdale, FL; siblings, Joan Brady of Frederick and Jim Harris and wife Darlene of Union Bridge; brother-in-law, Fred Eppler and wife Emma of Westminster; nieces and nephews, Terry Harris and wife Sandy, Chris Harris and wife Tracy, Jeff Luttrell and wife Deedee, Cathy Joy and husband Alan, Nick Luttrell, Chuck Eppler and wife Tammy and Tom Eppler and wife Donna; and cousins, Shirley Smith and husband Carroll and Skip Ricketts and wife Mary Ann. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there will be no public visitation or service. A private graveside service will be held in Linganore Cemetery, Unionville, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 1050, Union Bridge, MD 21791 |
