Walter William Harris, Jr.

Walter William Harris, Jr. Walter (Wally) William Harris, Jr., age 61, of Toledo, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He passed peacefully, listening to smooth jazz music, in the quiet of the morning hours with his sisters at his side. Walt was diagnosed with ALS and passed from complications of the disease. While his death was unexpected so soon, we trust the Lord’s plan to take him home now. Walt was born on September 29, 1956, to Walter and Evelyn Harris in Wilmington, Delaware. When he was 5 years old, he moved to Toledo, OH with his parents and resided in Toledo for the majority of his life. Walt grew up in South Toledo, and was involved in hockey, baseball, and boy scouts growing up as a boy. He had a great love for hockey and he continued to skate and play for much of his life. The most precious time spent with his nieces and nephews was teaching them to skate, which has carried on as a great joy for many of them. He also enjoyed wind surfing, boating, water and snow skiing. One of the greatest joys in Walt’s life was spending time with his friends. The relationships he had with his friends growing up, many of which carried into adulthood, were some of the most important relationships of his life. He did enjoy being alone, but when he made a trusted friend, it was for a lifetime. Whether it was a friend at work, a friend he met during his daily visit to Bob Evans, or friends he met through the many activities that he was involved in, once that bond was made, it was never broken. The last few years, Walt set up a kiln in his basement and began a brand new hobby of wine bottle art. Up until the week before he passed, he was still pressing wine bottles. He took great joy in creating art for friends and family,that were personalized and special. Walt was employed with the city at the Lucas County Engineers office. He enjoyed his work and especially the great people he worked with over the last 30 years. He was also involved with his church, Zion Methodist, and had become connected to many people during his time there. Walt is survived by his 3 sisters; Cindy Harris, Becky (Jose) Mondragon, and Wendy (Todd) Sabo, as well as his many nieces and nephews; Jackie Harris, Nicole Fastskie, Jessica and Rosa Mondragon, Samantha (Patrick) Hill, Mitchel Comes, Simeon, Grace, and Brac Sabo, and great nephew McAuley White. Walt will be sadly missed by his family and friends, but his recent belief and faith in the Lord assures us that he will be in Heaven. Friends may call at the Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Avenue, on Saturday, January 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. with services to begin at 4 p.m. The family suggests that contributions be made to the ALS Association at alsa.org on Walt’s behalf. Please leave your condolences for the family at walterfuneralhome.com or our facebook page.