Jeppie L. Harris III, 61, of Galesburg, died at 2:51 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2016, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born May 4, 1955, in Galesburg, the son of Jeppie L. and Shirley L. (Heavilin) Harris Jr. He married Beth Culver on Dec. 1, 1973, in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Beth; four sons, Jason (and Trina) Harris of Galesburg, Joshua (and Heather) Harris of Coal Valley, Joseph (and Jackie) Harris of Galesburg, and Jacob Harris of Galesburg; 10 grandchildren, Megan, Kensey, Ashley, Kailyn, Madisyn, Kamryn, Jaidyn, Noah, Ethan, and Logan; and five siblings, Fred (and Libby) Harris of North Carolina, Ann Swanson of Abingdon, Sam (and Rhonda) Harris of Gerlaw, Jan Harris of Macomb, and Ruth (and Dave) Dennis of Kirkwood. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jeppie had worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad and was head painter at Knox College for a number of years. In 1997, he entered into his own business, Jep's Decorating. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1973 and earned his welding certificate from Carl Sandburg College. Jeppie was a family man and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He also liked riding his motorcycle, fishing, canoeing, and playing golf. In death, Jeppie was a tissue donor.
Cremation will be accorded. Celebration of his life will be 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at the Knoxville American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Spina Bifida Association. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is handling arrangements for the family.

Published in The Register-Mail on July 27, 2016