Clifford Harris (90) of Effingham, formerly of Vandalia

Clifford Harris, 90, of Effingham, formerly of Vandalia, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 22, 2023; there he was reunited with his wife of nearly 65 years, Wanda.

A Funeral Service in his memory will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia with Rev. Dr. Ben Foxworth officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Griffith Cemetery, Brownstown with military rites accorded by Brownstown VFW Post #9770. Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be expressed by clicking here.

Clifford was a New Year’s baby born January 1, 1933, in his country home in Bingham, east of Bayle City, IL, the son of Clifford and Fern (Moreland) Harris. After graduating from Brownstown High School Cliff began work on the “Nickel Plate Road” as a telegrapher prior to being drafted in the US Army. Cliff served his country proudly during the Korean War; 1953-1955. After being honorably discharged Cliff married the love of his life, Wanda L. Maxedon, December 22, 1956; together they shared 64 loving years of marriage. In earlier years Wanda and Cliff ran Harris Radio/TV in Charleston until 1968 when they moved to rural Fayette County where they raised six children. The family remained on the farm for 55 years raising livestock. In 1971, Cliff began working at World Color Press in Effingham, he retired in 1992 as a General Foreman over the Shipping Department. He also was an Oil Producer for several years and owned Harris Oil Company. He was a member of the Illinois Oil and Gas Association. He enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting; he was a lover of music, his favorite being bluegrass and he loved visiting the Grand Ole Opry which he got to do three times over the course of his life.

Cliff is survived by his sons, Douglas Harris and wife Clara of Auburn, Keith Harris and wife April of Greenup, Don Harris and wife Lisa of Flora, and Bill Harris of Effingham; daughters, Wanetta Harris and Michelle Harris of Effingham; seven grandchildren, Austin “AJ” Harris, Clint Harris, Chad Harris, Ashley Bryant, Ashley Harris Bell, Jacob Harris, and Jessica Harris; twelve great grandchildren; and brother, Norm Harris of St. Peter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, Ronnie Harris.