Richard A. Harless Jr.

Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home

28 Harding Ave. Jackson, Ohio 45640

Richard A. Harless Jr., age 63 of Jackson, Ohio passed away on Tuesday April 9, 2024, in the comfort of his hut on the hill surrounded by his wife and daughter. Born May 16, 1960, in Oak Hill, Ohio to Shelba Jean (Crabtree) Harless and Richard A. “Sonny” Harless Sr.

Rich was preceded in death by his infant brother, Scott; maternal and fraternal grandparents; and father-in-law, Thomas E. Skinner.

Rich’s favorite season was spring and chose to marry the love of his life, Tommie Vance Harless on March 20, 2016, the first day of spring. In addition to his wife Tommie, he is survived by his daughters, Whitney and (Anna Harless), Meredith Harless, and Maria Puthoff, and stepsons, Nathan (Brandi) Grant, and Quinton Vance.

As a life-long athlete, Rich was an avid golfer and was a Browns fanatic. Rich had a deep appreciation for wildlife, especially feeding the martins. Rich was instrumental in the growth of Franklin Valley Golf Course and started the Franklin Valley Open. He was known for his hard work ethic and how he loved his people. He also had a fun side where he harassed his friends and family on a full-time basis. Food was Rich’s love language, always trying new recipes and making sure that family and friends were always fed well. Rich cultivated his own language and if we had to choose one, he would say Heaven is perfecter.

A celebration of life will be held on May 18th, 2024, at Franklin Valley Golf Course. Please check back later for exact time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.

“His Journey’s Just Begun”

by Ellen Brenneman

Don’t think of him as gone away ~

His journey’s just begun

Life holds so many facets

This earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

From the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

That we could know today

How nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away.

And think of him as living

In the hearts of those he touched…

For noting love is ever lost ~

And he was loved so very much.