With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Mike Harris of Tallapoosa, GA.
Here is what we wish the world to know of Mike.
Mike spent his working life as ['construction and build a life centered around family'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of belief is a life of quiet conversation with something larger.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael "Mike" Allen Harris, age 62, of Tallapoosa, GA. Mike left this world on May 2, 2026 in his home, surrounded by his beloved family. A leap year baby, he was born February 29, 1964 in Springfield, OH to Ronald A. Harris and Kathleen Krieg Harris.
Mike was known for speaking his mind, often saying what everyone else was thinking, and usually in a way that left the whole room laughing. He was strong and could be intimidating to those who didn't know him, but those who did knew a man filled with immense love. Beneath that tough exterior was a deeply caring soul, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. It is difficult to fully capture just how much he meant to those who loved him. He loved his family fiercely and completely, and if you were lucky enough to be part of his circle, you felt that same unwavering loyalty, protection, and warmth.
A lifelong carpenter, he had a rare gift, not just for building, but for restoring and transforming. He could take something worn, broken, or forgotten and bring it back to life with care, patience, and pride. His work in restoration and remodeling wasn't just a skill, it was truly an art. He saw potential where others didn't, and he poured himself into every project, leaving behind not just structures, but pieces of himself. Everything he built or restored stood as a reflection of his character, strong, enduring, craftsmanship for the people it was meant to serve.
What many may not know is that he was also an exceptional hockey player, talented enough to earn a scholarship offer from Dartmouth, which he chose to pass up in order to pursue a career in construction and build a life centered around family.
In his younger years, he was a bit of a handful, independent, rebellious, and never one to follow rules easily. He faced a lot of adversity growing up and carried that toughness with him through life, but everything changed when he met his wife, Nona, who somehow managed to tame his wild spirit and became the love of his life.
He found joy in the simple things, hunting, fishing, and especially joking around. Teasing and "ribbing" those he cared about was his love language, and it was how he connected with the people closest to him. But above all else, his greatest pride and purpose was his family. They were his world. Everything he worked for, everything he built, and every sacrifice he made was for them. His dream was to own land and build something lasting, a place where his family could gather, grow, and create memories for generations, and he made that dream a reality.
There are not enough words to describe how deeply he was loved by his family. He wasn't just important to them, he was everything. He was their protector, their teacher, their foundation, and their home. His presence filled every room, and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled. He is loved beyond measure and will be missed more than words could ever express.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Nona Dalrymple Harris, of Tallapoosa; sons and their spouses, Jacob and Elizabeth Smock, of Marietta, GA and Matthew and Ashley Harris, of Dallas, GA; grandchildren, Brady Smock and Ellie Mae Harris; sister, Melissa Stoughton, of Catawba, OH; brothers, Kenneth Ricketts, of Catawba and Richard Ricketts, of Cable, OH; father, Ronald Harris; and uncle, Gary Craig. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Kathleen Krieg Ricketts and Joe Ricketts.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 1:00PM at Steadman Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00PM.
