Ricky Lee Harris

Published 9:28 am Monday, November 18, 2024

Ricky Lee Harris, 65, of Johnson City, Tenn., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Johnson City Medical Center after a brief illness.

Rick was born in Kingsport and lived most of his life in Kingsport, Johnson City and Watauga, except for his time in the military. He was a 1977 graduate of Daniel Boone High School and later in life attended ETSU, seeking a degree in Art History / Photojournalism. Rick was Director of Photography for the Elizabethton Star for many years and then continued his love for photography by owning his own business, Digital Dreams Photography. He also sub-contracted for a magazine called Area Auto News, out of Trenton, N.J. During his professional career, he obtained many awards from Kodak, The Associated Press, Glamour Photographers of America and has been named to Who’s Who in American Photography by the Professional Photographer of America. His photography hangs in the offices of corporate clients such as Pizza Hut Inc., Sylvania Lighting, Keebler Inc., Lab Connect Inc., and has appeared in the pages of Racing News, Winston Cup Scene and on the cover of a special issue of Sports Illustrated. He also was a volunteer firefighter with the Watauga Volunteer Fire Department for many years until he had to retire from both due to his health. For a brief time, he worked part time for Clean Safe with his wife, Sylvia, and had to stop working permanently due to his later-in-life health issues.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Wanda Harris; his only child, Christopher Ian Harris; and sister-in-law, Sara Jane Tutko.

Left to cherish his memories is his wife, Sylvia Williams Harris, of the home; stepson, Alan Wade Bales, Greeneville, TN; very special aunt, Phyliss Radar, Gray, TN; uncle, Chuck Dillard, Kingsport, TN; special friend, Mike Presley, Elizabethton, TN; his waterfall buddy, Gloria Tilson, Gardner, ME; his brother-in-law, Bill Williams, Johnson City, TN; sister-in-law, Barbara McConaghie (Alan), Wilmington, NC; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Warren (Gary), Boone, NC; brother-in-law, Mike Williams (Lyndia), Manassas, VA; two special nieces whom he considered his children, Mellisa and Nikki Tutko; nephew, Matt Tutko, Manassas, VA; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and too many friends to count. Rick did not know a stranger and if you said photography, you became a friend. He shared his passion and friendship with many, many people. 

The family will be honoring Rick’s memory with a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, November 23, at 3 p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City. The Harris family would like to thank Clean Safe and friends for all the support they have shown to his wife, stepson, and family during this emotional time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Humane Society, 3411 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601, honoring his memory. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Harris family. (423) 610-7171