Robert Harriss

Robert Kent Harriss, 81, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on October 26, 2026, at 10:36 p.m. Bob was born on April 30, 1945, in Chicago to Effie and Jefferson Harriss. He grew up in Kincaid, Illinois, where he graduated from high school and played football. It was there that he met Rita Durbin, the woman who would become the love of his life.

After graduating, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at Lakehurst, New Jersey, and received the Antarctica Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Following his military service, Bob and Rita moved to Seattle, where he worked for Boeing while Rita completed nursing school at Virginia Mason Hospital.

The couple later returned to Illinois and, in 1980, made their home at Taylorville Lake. Bob worked as a welder for Caterpillar until his retirement. He and Rita cherished their home and the lake, spending countless days and evenings there with family and friends.

Bob was a man’s man and a friend to all who knew him. He and Rita welcomed people into their home with open hearts. Their children’s friends were never made to feel like visitors; they were treated like family. Their home was a place where people could laugh, find comfort, and be themselves without fear of judgment. Many came to think of Bob and Rita as a second set of parents.

Bob is survived by his children, Janel Pruitt of Fort Myers, Florida; Jetta (Lori) Harriss of Taylorville, Illinois; and Jeff Harriss of Fort Myers, Florida. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Sam (Hannah) Brubaker of Springfield, Illinois, and Rolla Pruitt, stationed in Poland; and one great-granddaughter, Summer Brubaker, his brother, George Harriss (Pam) of Grants Pass Washington and special family friend who they loved as their own Clayton Sylvester. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra Cummings.

Bob was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita, who passed away on May 23, 2026. They were married for 60 years and celebrated their anniversary on April 2. They were a fun-loving couple who could make each other—and everyone around them—laugh. They loved their life together, their home, and the lake that held so many of their memories. On a quiet, windless night, if you listen close, you might still hear the echoes of laughter drifting across the lake.

Service details will be announced at a later date. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.