Ronald Allen Harris

1944 - 2016

Ronald Allen Harris, 71, of Newton, died Saturday (July 16, 2016) at Newton Presbyterian Manor.

He was born Aug. 22, 1944, in Hominy, Oklahoma, the son of Robert and Grace Harris Amburgey. His father was killed in an automobile accident in 1949. His mother would later re-marry and Ronald was adopted by his step-father, James C. Harris, in 1954.

Ronald married Wendy Ann Stacey on Jan 21, 1966, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

He taught both band and chorus in Stigler, Oklahoma, for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in June 1966. Ronald was stationed at the Hamilton A.F.B. in California and served in the 573rd Air Force Band until being honorably discharged in Jan 1970.

The family would later move to Ponca City, Oklahoma where he worked at Conoco Oil Company as an accountant for 23 years until retiring. Ronald and Wendy moved to Newton in July 2000 to be closer to their son and his family.

Ronald loved to spend time with his granddaughters, as well as camping and watching sports.

Survivors include his wife Wendy of the home; son Nick R. Harris and his wife Kerry; granddaughters Kailey Nicole Harris, Kelsi Grace Harris and Avery Ann Harris, all of Newton; brother John Harris and his wife Michelle of Argyle, Texas; sisters Janet Bensinger and her husband John of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Leslie Garvin and husband Lonnie of Hackett, Arkansas; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ronald is preceded in death by his father, Robert Amburgey; parents Grace and James Harris; great-nephew Alden Brown; uncle Jack Amburgey; aunt June McNett; uncle Clifton Harris; as well as his grandparents.

No services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, Ronald would like for you to take your family out to dinner and celebrate his memory.

Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.