David Joseph Harris

June 21, 1943 - April 17, 2022

David Joseph Harris, 78, of East Jordan, MI and Largo, FL passed away Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. David was born June 21, 1943 in Benton Harbor, MI to Carl and Betty (Lett) Harris. David is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol Blaylock Harris; son, David J. Harris, MD (Elizabeth Montague); daughter, Kristina Harris; 4 grandchildren, Charles, Field, Stachia, Krista; sisters, Nancy Karchunas, Betty Jo Pelkey (Ron), Laura Martinic, Teresa Geike; brother-in-law, Bill Martinic and sister-in-law, Gloria Dryer. As a 1961 graduate of St. John’s Catholic High School, Benton Harbor, MI, David was awarded an athletic scholarship to play football at Michigan State University. He ultimately graduated and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Finance from MSU. He later continued his higher education earning a second MBA from Rutgers University’s Stonier School of Banking. David served his country in the US Army (1st Lieutenant) during the Vietnam War. During his time in combat, David was meritoriously awarded a Bronze Star, the Army Air Medal for Valor, the Vietnamese Honor Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and was appointed as an honorary “Blackhorse Trooper” in the Eleventh Armored Cavalry Regiment. Upon returning from Vietnam, David found the love of his life, Carol Blaylock. They quickly fell in love and began their joyous life together. This relationship would prove the test of time and last for nearly 50 years. Following his return from Vietnam, David also began a successful 40 year career in banking. During this time, he served as president and CEO of Bank of Commerce, Security Bank Corporation, and First of America in Hamtramck, MI; Valley Bank, Marshall and Ilsley Bank in Green Bay, WI; and finally at First State Bank in St. Clair Shores, MI. He was seen as a beloved employer and leader, a connector of people and innovator in the field initiating many successful new banking concepts and directions. David’s true passion outside of work was life on the water. He was an ardent boater and loved spending summers with family in Northern Michigan on Lake Charlevoix. Sunset boat cruises, water skiing and tubing were some of his most enjoyed activities. He truly embodied the sentiment that “anything worth doing, is worth doing on a boat.” David is preceded in death by his sister, Susan Harris Martinic; nephew, Jack Martinic Jr.; and brother-in-laws, Richard Karchunas, Jack Martinic Sr., Preston Dilts, Bruce Geike and Michael Dryer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution to the Lake Charlevoix Association. This lake was David's favorite place and the foundation of countless family memories. The association's mission is to support and protect the beauty and natural quality of Lake Charlevoix. https://www.lakecharlevoix.org/membership.html