Wendell G. Harris

Cumberland - Wendell Gerry Harris passed away on January 1, 2024 at home at the age of 97. He is survived by his wonderful wife of sixty-one years, Gail Theinert Harris and their daughters Trina (Richard) Zesk of Charlestown, RI; Stacy (Del) McCartney of Voluntown, CT. and Darcie Harris of Cumberland. Two granddaughters, Alicia Truax, Caitlin Zesk and three great grandsons, Chase, Rivers and Wyatt.

Born, raised and educated in Providence, he was the son of the late Townes Malcolm and Grace (Gerry) Harris, and brother of the late Townes M. Harris, Jr.

Wendell was a graduate of Moses Brown School, Class of 1944 and a graduate of Brown University, Class of 1949. He was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

During World War II, he was enrolled in the Navy V-5 Flight Training Program. Upon graduation from Brown, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and during the Korean War proudly served as a 1st Lt. with the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

During his youth, he was highly active in the Boy Scouts and was a member of Troop 52 Providence. For a number of years, he was on the staff at the Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, RI. One of his life's significant achievements was becoming an Eagle Scout in August 1943 while at camp, receiving the DAR Medal. While at Yawgoog, Wendell learned to sail, and it became a lifelong passion. Many wonderful adventures including years on Lake Winnipesaukee and as a long-time member of Sail Newport.

In 1970, Wendell, along with his wife Gail, founded Creative Rewards, a promotional, recognition and awards company, retiring at the end of 2015.

At his request, his funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wendell's memory to the Yawgoog Alumni Association Narragansett Council, BSA, 223 Scituate Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921, would be appreciated. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements with Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wendell G. Harris, please visit our floral store.