In Loving Memory of Dean Everett Harris

Dean Everett Harris, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in 1946 and raised in Ashland City, Tennessee, he learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide him throughout his life. At just 19 years old, he answered the call to serve his country after being drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served with the 2nd Battalion, 94th Artillery, including service during the Vietnam era at Camp J.J. Carroll with the 6th Battalion, 14th Artillery. His military service reflected the quiet courage and dedication that defined his life.

Following his military service, he devoted his career to the construction industry, serving as a superintendent carpenter with Walter Knestrick and Solomon Builders. He was respected for his craftsmanship, integrity, and leadership, taking great pride in a job well done. He retired at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy built not only in the buildings he helped create, but in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

In 1981, he married the love of his life, Sharon Harris, and together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. Their home was filled with love, laughter, unwavering devotion, and the joy of watching their family grow through the generations.

He found his greatest happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting, fishing, tending to his large garden, and spending countless hours on his tractor or lawn mower, always finding satisfaction in caring for the land. Whether working outdoors or spending time with his family, he treasured every moment and found joy in a life well lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Edward Harris and Gladys Louise Morris; his brothers, Wallace Harris and Denville Harris; and his sister, Edna Redmon.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Harris; his children, Dena Sanker (Marty), Jimmy Chambers (Angie), and Cindy Denham (John); his grandchildren, Jessica McAfee (Joseph), Tiffany Samson (Brandon), Jeremy Chambers (Julia), Mitchell Sanker (Lindsey), and Paige Watkins (McClain); his sisters, Dottie Lee (Larry) and Gloria Clark; 10 great-grandchildren, with one more precious great-grandchild on the way; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, steadfast faith, and the example he set through a lifetime of service—to his country, his work, and most importantly, his family. He believed in hard work, treasured time with those he loved, and found joy in the outdoors and in God's creation. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the values he passed down to each generation.

A visitation to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Cheatham County Funeral Home. The service will follow at 2:00 PM, with burial afterward at Friendship Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Ashland City, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers and/or Wounded Warriors.

Pallbearers will be Mitchell Sanker, Jeremy Chambers, Tyler Kreger, David Greco, Marty Sanker, and McClain Watkins.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Murray Neal, Boyd Jones, Randy Baker and Sonny Mayo.

Cheatham County Funeral Home LLC 615-792-2552 online condolences may be made at cheathamcountyfh.com