Fred E. Harris, 93, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away on June 30, 2026, at The Villas of Hollybrook with all his loving family beside him.
He was born on July 8, 1933, in Grand Chain, Illinois. He was the son of James Harley and Grace Wilma (Cooper) Harris. Fred married Helen Bernice Dover on July 9, 1952, in Corinth, Mississippi. They were married for 73 wonderful years, and their lives were centered around God and their family.
Fred earned his Master’s Degree in Education. He taught Driver’s Ed for years and was known as “Driver’s Ed Fred.” Fred also coached throughout his entire career including football, track, basketball and baseball. He coached several undefeated freshmen football teams as well. Fred also volunteered with the Mt. Carmel High School Tennis team.
In his spare time, Fred loved to play golf and tennis, garden, and fish. He was a great carpenter, building two homes that he and his family lived in. He made cradles for his grandkids and barn quilts.
He loved his Parkview Christian Church family and was an elder for many years. He was a devoted morning Scripture reader along with a good cup of coffee. Fred volunteered in all his church activities.
Fred and Helen traveled to Florida during the winter months. Fred also managed the Mt. Carmel swimming pool for several years during the summer months.
Fred is survived by his children: Rodney (Terri) Harris, Sheree McDonald, Kim (Tim) Zimmer, Ellen (Jerry) Hocking, grandchildren: Melanie (Jason) Brashears, Natalie (Nate) Stevenson, Michelle (Jeff) Seaton, Chris (Ashley) McDonald, Damien McDonald, Brianne (Scott) Foster, Joey (Lea Ann) Hungerford, Jeremy (Alyssa) Hocking, Jesse (Laura) Hocking, Steven (Sarah) Zimmer, Derek (Cassie) Zimmer, Lauren (Phillip) Hocking, and great-grandchildren: Christian, Chloe, Madisyn, Sophia, Drake, Aubrey, Parker, Preston, Arden, Amelia, Myles, Harvey, Marlise, Miriem, Madeline, Mabrey, Ethan, Issac, Eli, Ben, Blake, Zoey, Peyton, Thayer, Sawyer, Ryker, Roxas, Axel and Kairi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Helen (Dover) Harris; brother, James Harris; sister, Athlyn (Harris) Mathis; and sons-in-laws, Terry McDonald and Dana Hungerford. Fred was also preceded in death by his great-grandchildren, Elijah, Alyse and cherished Hocking grandchild who was lost before birth.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at Parkview Christian Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Parkview Christian Church.
Burial will follow the service at Antioch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Fred Harris can be made to Winterhaven Christian Church, 301 6th Street N.E. Winterhaven, Florida 33881. Envelopes will be available at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harris family.
