Obituary: Ronald Wiley Harris

For The Madera Tribune

Ronald Wiley Harris.

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Ronald Wiley Harris was born to the late F. Russell and Emma Harris in Chowchilla, CA, on April 14, 1937. He passed away on Feb. 23, 2022, in Tulare, CA at the age of 84. He was immersed in the farming community from an early age. After serving four years in the Army, he married Judi Johnson in 1963, and they raised their three children together. He continued farming in Chowchilla, Waukena, Pixley, and Dalhart, TX.

Ronnie was the most patient man, always the calm in any storm. That trait helped him to be elected to the Chowchilla City Council in 1996, where he served for 12 years, five of those as mayor. He was proud of his accomplishments and to serve the city where he grew up.

Ronnie is survived by his children, Michael and his wife Chantal, Lynnette Vincent and her husband Bill, Kimberly Dodson and her husband Tim, and Bret Ziegler and his wife Kathy. His grandchildren, Madison and McKenzie Harris, Rylie and Grant Vincent (Makayla), Gracie, Mia, and Ella Dodson, his sisters, Dorothy Schuh and Bonnie Thiel, and numerous nieces and nephews that adored him. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Judi, his parents, two sisters Dean and Betty, and his brother Marion.

A memorial service will be held at the First Church of God in Tulare, 833 N. Blackstone Avenue, on Friday, March 4, at 10:30 a.m.