Michael "Mike" Eugene Harris

Michael “Mike” Eugene Harris, 62, of Carterville, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by his family, after his many courageous battles with cancer.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 29, 2024, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Jason McKinnies officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin after 6:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mike was born August 4, 1961, in Carbondale, to Larry Don and Barbara Jean (Maze) Harris. He married Jennifer Nicole Eastwood on June 8, 2001, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny Harris; daughter, Grace Harris; son, Grant Harris; mother, Barbara Harris; brother, Pat (Laura) Harris; sister, Debbie (John) Steel; nieces and nephews, Zoe Hawkins, Max Harris, Halle Oliver, Paige Steel, Marina Steel, and Sidney Steel; mother-in-law, Scherrie Eastwood.  

He was preceded in death by his father and best friend, Larry Harris.

Mike was trained by his uncle Jerry Harris during his teenage years. Soon after, he began working at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 160, where he worked for Wellers. He was mentored by his father, Larry Harris, with whom he worked on many plumbing jobs. In 1996, he opened H&E Inc. with his father, Larry Harris, and his father-in-law, Bud Eastwood.

Mike had a passion for golf, frequently joining the “11:00 o’clock group” at the Crab Orchard Golf Course. He also enjoyed fishing, particularly at the lake near his home.

Mike was incredibly hardworking and talented. He created and built an incredible home for his family, with a bridge overlooking their lake. He had an extraordinary sense of imagination and could bring anything he thought of to life.

Mike's most important thing was his family. He loved spending time with them, no matter the activity or trip. He especially loved going to the movies with his kids. Mike loved going to his mom's place every morning to drink coffee and talk.

He was a giving and warm-hearted man who would talk to and help anyone he encountered.

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