NEW BRITAIN, Conn., and BANGOR – Ernest Winfield Harris Jr., 74, died peacefully May 3, 2007, at a New Britain, Conn., health care facility. He was born Aug. 6, 1932, in Bangor, the son of Ainee (Stimpson) and Ernest W. Harris Sr. He also was the stepson of Alvah Freeman. Ernest was a really hard worker and enjoyed stock car racing, where he worked in the pit changing tires for many years. He worked at Commercial Tire, New Britain, Conn., for 35 years, in addition to a variety of supplemental jobs. He was a member of Amber Club for several years, and of the 8th Ward Political Club. He worked hard to provide for his nine children, and was devoted to his family. He was predeceased by all of his parents; his loving wife, Edith Margerette (Bryer) Harris; his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Herbert Clark; and a nephew, Richard J. Harris. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, James G. and Julie Harris of Hermon; nine children, Danny Harris, Diana and James Lilja, Mike and Mary Harris, Sherry and Donny Dubay, Bonnie Solivan, Anthony and Paula Harris, all of Bristol, Conn., Ainee and Anthony Holmes of Torrington, Conn., Debbie and Andrew Fontaine of Palm Coast, Fla., and Ernest W. III and Jen Harris of Bunnell, Fla.; 17 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nieces and a nephew. A graveside memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 25, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor, with the Rev. Renee Garrett, minister of Christian nurture at All Souls Congregational Church, officiating.
ERNEST W. HARRIS JR.
