Birth date: Jan 19, 1942 Death date: May 20, 2025
Phil Stephen Harris passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025 at the age of 83. He was born in Ellettsville, Indiana on January 19, 1942. Phil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sharon A. Harris, his son, Stephen Harris of Indianap Read Obituary
Phil along with Sharon became an integral part of TAKING VICTORY class at Lakeview in the mid 90's. They hosted a care group for several years . He planned a mystery trip for the class that people still recall .
He was one 4 men who met regularly for Bible study. To our son RUSTY (special needs) he was a wonderful blessing . Always willing and ready to help in our absence.
His HOPE in Christ was steadfast.
His enjoyment of life was strong to the end.
Just a few weeks before his homegoing he called to see if I would get tickets to the BRICKYARD race in July as he was planning on going with Rusty and me.
I thank God for his great friendship over the years. He is SPECIAL.
Sharon may God give HIS peace and love to you in abundance!
Neal (Faith and Rusty).
I will miss you my Brother in Arms. Until ValHalla, Semper Fi, from your Sister, Kat
Semper Fi my brother 🫡Rest in peace
Summer of 2021 I was having my car serviced and Phil was the dealership driver that would whisk me off back home. With a sharp connection of some Marine Corps regalia adorning my attire, Phil identified himself as a fellow Marine, which (of course) led to a mutually enjoyable conversation of personal histories about our "time in." At that time, I enquired as to his knowledge about the Marine Corps League here in Lakeland, which I was a relatively (new) transferee to (from Georgia). I presented my case for him to consider joining, of which he agreed to discuss further, even willing to attend, with me making contact with him in the future.
Unfortunately, with the Lakeland detachment having had its door shuttered, and my infrequent visits to the dealership casting its end results, I hadn't made anymore connection with him; that is, until two years later in 2023 when -again- I had my car in for service. As well, this time, with members of the (now defunct) MCL detachment being transferred to Winter Haven, and having spied Phil once again, our conversation picked-up where it had left off, with me inviting him to this different detachment, at a new location. But with one difference, as I was then one of the detachment's responsible Officers. He agreed to take a ride and join up with the League.
And just about as quickly as he signed-up than he began proving his value in that he began an almost "religious" effort at reaching out to not only the many people he knew from his church men's group, but absolutely anyone and everyone that displayed the Marine Corps logo; he was -to say the least- obsessed with reeling-in the many fish that wore the EGA. So much so, that on one occasion while visiting him at his home, he asked me to accompany him for a few minutes-time; my question of where we were headed was only answered when we pulled up to this neighborhood home that was displaying the Marine Corps flag. Assuming this to be an already prepped applicant, or at least personal friend, I tallied behind him as he rang the doorbell.
When the gentleman answering the (multi-pressed) doorbell answered Phil's beckoning, Phil began an introduction of both himself and myself... clearly Phil had no previous knowledge of or connection with this person other than the USMC flag that was hoisted below the American flag on his property, YET, Phil went into his spiel about how the Marine Corps League was important to the community, and that membership was exclusive to Marines and FMF-types, but before he could move into his next level of "sales," the man cut him off stating that he was NOT a Marine, and that he only flew the flag in respect for his son -that he had lost... Oops!
It was at that point that I realized how many levels the term "Zealot" actually resided on, and Phil had that energy, and that dedication, which ultimately led to my appointing him to the position of Chaplain for the entire Detachment. And, it is in that capacity that Phil reined in full force; his own force to be reckoned with. One that the entire membership could not only SEE, but FEEL deeply about.
Chaplain Phil will be sorely missed by all of Heart of Florida's Marines, but "PHIL" will be especially missed by this Commandant ...this Leaguer ...this Marine ...and this Friend! We will miss his (always) mispronunciation of the term "Corpsmen" pronounced (by Phil) as "COORSMEN,") that we could never drum out of him!
So, here's to you, Brother Phil... we wish you Fair Winds and Following Seas, Until Valhalla, when we meet again, Semper Fidelis*
Our families shared many good memories with Phil. He was "Bloom" to me since he was from Bloomington, and I was. always "Speed" to him since I was from Speedway. I respect the way you lived your life ~ R.I.P., dear "Bloom".
