Benjamin Franklin Harris, 90, of Bethany went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 6:43 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Shelbyville Manor, Shelbyville, after living with Alzheimer’s Dementia for several years with courage and resilience.
A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, with Rev. Douglas Harris officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service, burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Benjamin was born August 25, 1934, in Detroit, MI, the son of Elbert and Annella (Baldwin) Harris. He was a graduate of Benton High School, Benton, and Central Bible College, Springfield, MO. Benjamin served in the United States National Guard.
Ben was an Assemblies of God pastor and was recently recognized for 50 years of ordained ministry. He pastored churches across Illinois including Ottawa, Bunker Hill, Vandalia, Olive Branch, Bethany and Paris. He also filled many pulpits in various churches in his later years.
On May 25, 1963, he married Sandra Hollister in Decatur, she survives. Also surviving are their children, Terry (Jodi) Harris of Altamont, Lisa (John) Fett of Tennessee, and Ron (Lori) Harris of Pennsylvania; also, seven grandchildren, Steffen Harris, Kirstie Burry, Kaela Cuzzone, John-Michael Fett, Chris Harris, Mike Harris, and Zachary Harris, and ten great-grandchildren.
Ben has three living siblings, sisters, Evelyn (Charles) Bayless and Roselyn Wingo; brother, Michael (Sharon) Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, William, Robert, Joanne and Wendell.
Ben enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, bowling, and fast-pitch softball. He and Sandra traveled to 46 of the 50 states. Ben also went on Mission trips to Honduras and Denmark.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
