Paul Harris
1951 - 2025

Paul David Harris, 74, of Wheelersburg, OH passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, at SOMC Hospice Care Center. He was born July 1, 1951, to the late Harold and Thelma (Robinson) Harris and preceded in death by his first wife, Sarah McLaughlin Harris and his stepfather, Tom Frazier. He is survived by his second wife, Tamara (Johnson) Harris, whom he married on December 27, 2014. Paul was a 1970 graduate of Dawson-Bryant High School, where he was multiple sport lettermen, playing football, baseball, basketball, golf and track. He started as quarterback as a freshman, on the football team, for legendary coach, Red Dutey. He graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Elementary Education and received his master’s degree in Elementary Education from Morehead State University and earned his second master’s degree in health, Physical Education and Recreation also; from Marshall University he received his certification in Special Education and Disabilities. Paul officiated in the Ironton Football Officials chapter for twenty years and enjoyed going to watch his son follow in his footsteps with a passion for refereeing football. He taught school for over thirty years, beginning his career at the South Point School District, where he was head teacher and taught 5th grade at Sheridan Elementary. In the early 80’s he went to teach at Greenup County in Grey’s Branch Elementary and coached high school football and in the late 80’s he taught and coached in the Rock Hill School District. In the early 90’s he began teaching Special Education and Behavioral Disabilities at Portsmouth West for twenty plus years. After retiring he substituted at Greenup for over eight years. Paul was a member of the Sunshine Church of Christ, Minford, OH In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by a brother: Richard Harris and a sister: Sheila Harris. Along with his second wife, those left to celebrate his life are a son: P.D. Harris (Michelle Stephens) and a best friend, Jeff Weaver, whom he considered a son. A funeral service will be 1:00pm, Monday, December 15, 2025, at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, 11623 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg, OH with Pastor Jamie Riley and Pastor Bradley Cotton officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Burial Park. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm and 12:00pm until the time of the service, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to SOMC Hospice Center, 2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662