Gerald Ray Harris

Gerald Ray Harris, 69, of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022, at home.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2^nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.  Memorials are suggested to the Lafayette County Cancer Coalition.  Memories of Gerald and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. 

Gerald was born on December 19, 1952, in Independence, MO to George and Gladys (Smith) Harris.  He graduated from Grain Valley High School in Grain Valley, MO.  On February 14, 1985, Gerald was united in marriage to Melissa Janette Brandel in Independence.  He retired in 2007 from Ford Motor Co. after 30 plus years of service.  Gerald was a member of the U.A.W. Local 249 in Kansas City, MO.  Gerald loved adventure and pushing the bar, he always enjoyed taking his kids to amusement parks, fishing, and enjoying some Bates City BBQ.  Gerald loved spoiling his grandchildren who were the light of his life. 

Gerald is survived by his wife, Melissa Harris of Odessa, MO; three children, Gerald Harris and wife Darla of Odessa, MO, Monica King and husband Gary of Grain Valley, MO, and Sarah Harris of Grain Valley, MO; six grandchildren, Theodore Harris, Hunter King, Dillon King, Kenzley Roark, Tabitha Harris, and Kash Roark; one great-grandson, Liam Harris; one brother, Glenn Harris and wife Joy of Tampa, Florida; and many relatives and friends. 

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Steve Harris.