Edwin Duane Harris

Obituary for Edwin “Ed” Duane Harris

Edwin “Ed” Duane Harris, of Waverly, Florida, peacefully passed away on September 18, 2025, at his home with loved ones present.

Ed was born in 1947 in Lake Wales, Florida, and attended Harris Happy Hour School, which was run by his parents. He graduated from Lake Wales High School (LWHS) with the Class of 1965. After graduation, he went on to study at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, and later at Concordia in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. In 1979, he earned his master’s degree from Florida State University (FSU).\

Life brought challenges as well as triumphs. Ed faced some difficult years between 1983 and 1989, but he was proud to celebrate his recovery and lived 35 years clean, with his clean date on January 14, 1990. His strength and resilience were a true inspiration to those around him.

In 1983, Ed moved to California, where he began his career as a social worker, dedicating his life to helping unwed mothers and families in need. In 1996, his work took him to Hawaii, where he continued to serve others. After a fulfilling 26-year career, he retired in 2009 and returned to Florida in 2010, making his home in Waverly.

Ed will be remembered for his love of his cats, his peaceful yard that felt like a Hawaiian park, and his joy in cheering for his beloved Florida State Seminoles. He had a thoughtful and generous nature—often bringing friends flowering plants when he visited or putting great care into cards and gifts filled with heartfelt words.

In his later years, Ed endured many health struggles, including prostate cancer, congestive heart failure, and throat cancer. Despite these hardships, he faced life with courage and grace.

He is survived by his sister, Lynette Brohn, and her husband, Bob, of California, as well as many loved ones and countless friends, including his NA family in Florida, California, Hawaii, Kansas, and across the world. He was preceded in death by his brother and his beloved son, Eddie (April 23, 1969 – December 24, 1971).

A Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Marion Nelson Funeral Home, 454 S. Buck Moore Road, Lake Wales, Florida.

In true Ed spirit, instead of bringing flowers for the funeral, friends are invited after the service to take home a plant from his garden. His wish was that these plants would continue to grow and spread joy, just as he always did. Guests are welcome to reflect on his memory, remembering the simple, peaceful moments he cherished most.

In honor of Ed’s giving spirit, he would also love for donations of blankets and towels to be made to local veterinarians, helping animals as he always cared for his own.