Jaye Harris

Jaye Harris

Chattanooga, TN: Glen Riley Harris, Jr., "Jaye", 65, died Thursday, March 5, 2026 after living with cancer for more than 15 years. Jaye was compassionate, creative, loving and strong, with a sharp wit and a wicked sense of humor.

Born in Washington DC on April 19, 1960, Jaye lived his adult life in Marietta and Cave Spring Georgia before moving to Chattanooga in 1998. He was a U.S. Army veteran who enlisted before finishing high school and was honorably discharged.

A life-long learner, Jaye attended multiple certificate programs, apprenticeships, and colleges covering fields of study that included electronics, cabinetry, auto mechanics, information technology, nursing, religion, philosophy, graphic design and art. In the early days of the internet, he could spend hours over dial-up searching through the online archives of the Vatican library. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2011, he returned to school and earned his Associate of Art degree from Chattanooga State. When the cancer returned with a vengeance in 2020, Jaye decided he wanted his obituary to state that he had a bachelor's degree. At the time of his death, he was in his final semester at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where he was pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture. The family is in communication with UTC regarding a posthumous award of the degree in May 2026.

Jaye was a dedicated and impassioned member of the recovery community for over 44 years. He was committed to sharing the light of the Divine to all with whom he came in contact, having experienced the healing power of love and embracing each person so that they, too, would know their value and worth and could learn to share in that light. His legacy of love, welcome, acceptance and spirituality shines through countless addicts whom he touched throughout his recovery. His impact is immeasurable.

Jaye's foundation of love and light shines most brightly through his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Susan; his sons Riley (Melissa, Aaron), Jackson (Victoria), and Duncan; and his granddaughters Jaxx, Aurora, Lillie, and Piper. Jaye is also survived by his mother Nancie, brothers Chris (Nancy), Jeff (Sandy) and Sam, and his sister Maude. Extended family includes the Hunt in-laws, multiple nieces and nephews and dear friend Cory Smith.

Special appreciation is extended to Dr. Michael Stipanov and Dr. Marcus Wagner and their staff at Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Munford Yates, and Dr. Jesse Tucker and the dedicated, compassionate medical professionals at CHI Memorial Hospital. Your work matters.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Drew Bunting officiating. Visitation will be Monday afternoon from 4:00-6:00 PM at St. Peter's. All are welcome. Memorial contributions can be made to Metropolitan Ministries of Chattanooga, Chattanooga Pride or the LGBTQ+ charity of your choice. Jaye's family strongly encourages those who are able to donate blood in his memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home Ashland Terrace www.LaneFH.com (423) 877-3524.