On July 18, 2024, Bernard Roger Harris, 78, of Mt. Zion, WV peacefully departed this earth at CAMC Memorial surrounded by his family. Bernard was born in Calhoun County, WV on April 12, 1946, to the late Harley John and Sara M. Harris.
If anyone was ever asked to describe Bernard, they would say he was a huge jokester who loved to visit and talk with anyone he ever came across. He never met a stranger, and he had a huge love in life for guns and his grandchildren.
Bernard was not considered a highly educated man having never learned to read or write, but he was educated in a more worldly way that was completely invaluable to his family and all he met. Those life lessons he honed early on helped shape children and grandchildren who later went on to become cardiac ICU nurses, flight nurses, respiratory therapists, mechanics, mortuary science students, etc.
Bernard left behind his wife of 45 years, Kathleen Harris of Mt. Zion, and their children Alicia Swearingen of Grantsville, WV and Pat Keaffaber of Charleston WV. Also left behind were his four very loved grandchildren, Jaden Swearingen (20), Kade Swearingen (18), Orion Swearingen (15), and Ihla Cone (4) all of Chloe/Grantsville, WV; and two sisters, and two brothers all of Grantsville.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, Bernard also left behind three bonus children through marriage who were just like his own. Those bonus children include Jason Swearingen of Chloe, Donavon Cone of Grantsville, and Chelsea Keaffaber of Charleston.
Bernard was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents, his youngest daughter Kacy Michelle Harris, sister Louis Harris, and brothers Ronnie Harris, Clyde Harris, and Harley Harris.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Bernard’s longtime friend Mary Lou Mullenex, and to Open Heart Recovery for the amazing care and compassion they showed the Harris family in Bernard’s final hours. No words can describe the true outpouring of love received in OHRU from Pulmonary Associates, Ashleigh Franklin, RN, Jo Beth Staton, RN, Caleb Kiser, RN, Jennifer Skiles, RN, Christie Frame, RN, and Dr. Michael Ritchie.
Visitation will be held at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., Grantsville, WV, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A committal service will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Parkersburg, WV, on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., officiated by Pastor Kevin Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com.
