Scott A. Harris

On the evening of August 21, 2026, Scott Harris’s earthly body was healed of Parkinson’s and diabetes when he entered the gates of Heaven into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Scott Allen Harris was born July 6, 1963, to Boyden and Judy (Burelison) Harris in Oak Park, Illinois. The middle of five children, Scott grew up surrounded by family, friendship, and a love for sports. As a boy, he spent countless hours playing soccer and baseball, developing the competitive spirit, teamwork, and joy that would remain part of him throughout his life.

Scott was an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Cubs, and his love for the game reflected so much of who he was: loyal, hopeful, and always ready to celebrate a good moment. Whether on the field, in the classroom, in church, or on the sidelines, Scott gave himself fully to the people and places he loved.

Scott graduated from Marquette Manor Baptist Academy and went on to attend Pensacola Christian College, where he met his first wife, Jennifer (Schiefer) Harris, who passed away in 1996. Together they started a family with the births of Bethany, Marianne, and Grace. After college, Scott followed a calling into education, serving as a teacher alongside Jennifer at Wayside Christian School in both elementary and high school classrooms. He cared deeply for his students and brought patience, encouragement, and purpose to his work. His influence extended beyond academics as he coached soccer at the school and later for BAY, investing in young athletes not only as players, but as people.

Scott later married Anita (Smith) Harris, with whom he built a life filled with love, faith, and devotion. Together, Scott and Anita raised five children: Bethany, Marianne, Grace, Gretchen, and Nathanael.

Scott also worked hard to provide for his family. He managed two McDonald’s locations in Galion and Bucyrus, but his desire to spend more time with his children led him to make a career change. He went on to work at Tramec Sloan, formerly Crawford Machine Inc., where he served as shipping manager.

For many years, Scott also made special occasions sweeter by baking cakes for family celebrations, always finishing them with his mother’s secret frosting recipe. It became one more way he showed love—through time, care, and a thoughtful touch that made birthdays and gatherings feel even more memorable.

In retirement, Scott was grateful for time to travel, including special visits to see his brother Stacey in Arizona where they even got to attend the Cubs spring training games. He also found great joy in spending as much time as possible with his granddaughter Maura, whose presence brought him so much happiness.

Faith was at the center of Scott’s life. He served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and AWANA leader at Wayside Chapel, where he poured into children, families, and the church community with humility and love. Later, he continued encouraging young people as an Upward basketball coach, using sports as another way to build confidence, character, and connection during his time at Bucyrus First Church of the Nazarene.

Just two weeks before his passing, Scott was able to enjoy one last family gathering, a day that will be treasured always. The family came together to celebrate “almost” Christmas in July, complete with their long-standing tradition of sharing Chinese food while opening gifts. It was a joyful day filled with love, laughter, and familiar traditions, and Scott was especially blessed to spend that time with his daughter Marianne, son-in-law Alex Foster, and granddaughter Maura.

Scott will be remembered for his devotion to the Lord, his love for family, his heart for teaching and coaching, and the steady kindness he shared with those around him. He was especially proud of his children and treasured his granddaughter, Maura Keller, who was truly the light of his life. His life was a testimony of service, faithfulness, and joy, and his legacy lives on in the many students, athletes, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched.

Scott is survived by his wife, Anita (Smith) Harris; four children, Bethany Harris, Marianne Foster (husband Alex Foster), Gretchen Keller, and Nathanael Harris; his beloved granddaughter, Maura Keller; and his brothers, Stacey Harris and Frank Harris. He was preceded in death his parents, Boyden and Judy Harris; wife, Jennifer (Schiefer) Harris; his daughter, Grace Harris; and sisters, Vicki Fournier and Shannon Harris.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on September 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Wayside Chapel’s Family Life Center. Scott will be privately buried in Brokensword Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made payable to Wayside Christian School, BAY Soccer, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. These gifts will be accepted through the Wise Funeral Service or at the Family Life Center on day of services. Memories and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.

Though he will be deeply missed, Scott’s family and friends rejoice in the promise that he is whole, free, and at peace in the presence of Jesus.