Robert 'Bob' Harris

Robert ‘Bob’ Harris age 76 of Pittsfield, IL passed away at his home on Friday March 31, 2023.  He was born on August 23, 1946 in St. Louis MO to Robert A. and Helen Williams Harris.  Bob married the love of his life Martha Griggs on June 11, 1966, at the Methodist Church in Baylis, IL and she survives.

Bob graduated from Baylis Grade School in 1960 and went on to Pittsfield High School graduating in 1964.   He went straight into the workforce, working for GTE as a head lineman service tech, retiring after 32 years.  In 1989 while he was still with GTE, he started selling cars and opened Harris Motors.  He sold the business to his brother Donnie but continued to work in the car sales business until 2012. During that time, he sold cars for Main Street Motor, Pikeland Motors and finished his career as the office manager at Pittsfield Tire.  Car sales was truly his favorite job. 

Bob loved to fish, hunt and also was a collector of coins and sports cards. He was also an avid Raider Football and St. Louis Cardinal fan.  Bob enjoyed his daily routine that included coffee with his buddies at Haymaker’s and spending time with his brother at Pike County Collectibles.  He also enjoyed his monthly lunch at the Cardinal Inn with fellow retirees from GTE.  He and Martha enjoyed traveling over the years seeing the U.S. They took several road trips with Tom and Shelba Smith and made three island trips with Tom and Shelba, Steve and Rita Neff and Phil and Carrie Priest. Bob loved his Michigan trip with his son and daughter-in-law where he was able to see his grandparent's family home. He loved Florida, taking many trips to Pensacola Beach and took his last trip to Florida in October to visit his daughter and son-in-law.  He loved his family time and always said his main enjoyment in life was being with his wonderful wife and family.   He was very proud of his son and daughter and his grandchildren, always attending and supporting them in all of their activities.  Bob was a member of the Baylis Fire Dept., Pittsfield Moose Lodge, Saukee Boosters where he was a past president and was also a member of the Griggsville-Perry Boosters.  Bob received the Mr. Saukee Award in 1986 for being such a loyal supporter of the program, a proud moment for him and his family.  He will be deeply missed.

Surviving are his loving wife of 56 years, Martha; one daughter Christy (Rhett) Lipcaman of Perry, IL; one son Randy (Gina) Harris of Springfield, IL; seven grandchildren, Addie Freeman husband Johnny Davoult of Ludowici, GA, Jordan Lamb husband Patrick of Pittsfield, IL, Cody Freeman wife Courtney of Perry, IL, Hannah Harris of Springfield, IL, Hunter Freeman of Jacksonville, IL, Claire Harris of Springfield, IL, and Ainsley Harris of Springfield, IL; three great grandchildren, Mason and Owen Lamb and baby Freeman on the way; one brother Donnie (Rosalind) Anstedt; one sister Beverly Roberts; in-laws, Pam Smithers, Joyce (N.D.) Harrison and Jeff ( Karen) Griggs; and several nieces and nephews survive.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Robert A. Harris; mother and stepfather, Helen and Louis Anstedt; mother and father in-law Ralph and Rosie Griggs; two brothers-in-law Lester Roberts and Greg Smithers; one nephew Doug Lord and a special uncle Ken Harris.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday April 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with interment to follow at Gray Cemetery in New Salem, IL.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 4, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 7:00PM at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Saukee Nation, Griggsville-Perry Boosters or Gray Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral home is handling the arrangements. 

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