Former Ohio Senate president Bill Harris dies at 83

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Former Ohio Senate President Bill Harris has died at 83. He served as president from 2004-10.

Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina, issued a statement Monday morning.

"Former Senate President Bill Harris was a beloved and respected member of our Senate family. A humble public servant, Bill represented the best of Ohio. He served his country first on the battlefields as a Marine before coming home to build a business and invest in the people and the communities he later represented in the Ohio House and Senate. His devotion to his family, his authentic faith and his genuine interest in his fellow Ohioans garnered respect by all who knew him. On behalf of my colleagues, I extend our deepest condolences to the Harris family. His legacy of service and honor will forever be remembered in his hometown of Ashland and in the halls of the Ohio Statehouse."

Attorney General Mike DeWine issued the following statement:

“Fran and I are very saddened by the news that former Ohio Senate President Bill Harris has died. Bill was a true servant leader who served his country as a Marine and as a legislator, as well as a successful businessman. Fran and I offer our sincerest condolences to Bill’s family and friends.”

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said “today we mourn the passing of a great Ohioan. Bill Harris was a man of principle and one of the most decent people I have ever known who dedicated much of his life to serving others. Having served alongside Bill during his tenure as Senate President and mine as Speaker of the House, we had a great working relationship focused on getting the job done."

"Losing Bill is a sad day for me, but he was a man of strong faith who is now joined with his beloved wife Kay for eternity. Tina and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Harris family.”

About the Author