Harris William Kelley, 74

Harris William Kelley, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at the Rutland (Vt.) Regional Medical Center.

Harris was born on Feb. 18, 1936, in Granville, the son of Herman and Pearl (Baker) Kelley.

After attending Granville High School, Harris joined the U.S. Army. Harris was an independent contractor for most of his life. He owned and operated Harris Kelly Bros. construction from 1970-2009.  He later went to work for Bread Loaf Construction as its safety officer, where he won many awards for his endeavors.  Harris was a devoted gardener. He loved caring for his flower beds. He also raised Christmas trees for a while. Harris was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his wife of 50 years, Emma (Pratt), traveled cross country three times and visited all the continental states. Harris was a member of the Morning Star Lodge and had received his 50-year pin.

Harris was predeceased by two sons-in-law, Gary Terry and William Dupery, and a brother, Thomas Kelley.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Emma, are their children, Harris W. Kelley Jr. and his wife, Dianne, of Rutland, Vt., Heath Kelley and his wife, Kara, of West Rutland, Vt., Kelly Swahn and her husband, Donald, of Pittsford, Vt., Karen Hazelton and her husband, David, of Dummerston, Vt.,  and Kimberly Duprey of Meriden, Conn. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Kelley and his wife, Annie, of Albuquerque, N.M., a sister, Betty Daley and her companion, Mike Waite, of Pawlet, Vt., and Ruth Kent and her husband, William, of Manchester, Vt. He was blessed with six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville. Burial will follow at the Mettowee Valley Cemetery in Pawlet, Vt.

Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Harris’ memory may be made to the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen St., Rutland, Vt.