Frederick E. (Ted) Harris III, of East China, Mich., passed away in Ann Arbor, Michigan on January 14th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Ted was born in 1940 to Frederick & Margaret Harris of Grosse Pointe. He attended local schools where he established wonderful friendships he held close throughout his life. In 1958 Ted enrolled in the Citadel Military College, a decision that changed the trajectory of his life and profoundly shaped him as a man. Ted had an outstanding cadet career and after graduation was deployed to Korea as aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. William J. McCaffrey, who continued to be a dear friend throughout Ted’s life. Ted remained an active alumnus of the Citadel. In 1972 he was elected to the Board of Directors for the Citadel Development Foundation and served throughout his life. He treasured his trips to Charleston and in 2023 attended his last homecoming weekend there with his citadel roommate friends and wives.
Ted married his high school sweetheart Beverly Smith in 1964. The two raised three children and were an inspiring example of love and service in their family, church and community. In 1970 Ted established Fred Harris and Associates, a manufacturers’ representative agency named after his father. For nearly 40 years he ran the company, and his coworkers and customers became like family. After raising their children in Grosse Pointe, Ted and Bev moved to their home on the St Clair River where they raised two of their grandchildren; Noah and Papillon. There Ted spent quality time with his grandchildren, golfing, travelling, sharing stories, giving advice and watching the freighters go by. Ted was a man of faith who devoted much of his time to service, church, and prayer.
Ted Harris is survived by his wife Beverly; his children Amy and David (Melissa), his sister Wendy, grandchildren Brittany (Branden) , Noah (Priscilla), Papillon, Toben, Alexandra, Cameron, Maya and his great grandchildren Isabella, Jackson and Ruby. He is preceded in death by his daughter Anne who has welcomed him into heaven with open arms. His friends and loved ones will forever cherish his memory and honor his legacy of kindness, integrity, and love. A memorial service will be held at Young Funeral home in St Clair MI at noon on Friday February 28th with visitation at 11.