Edward Freeland (“Ted”) Harris passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018.
He was born December 5, 1965 in Madisonville, Ky. to Freeland and Patricia Harris. The family moved to Bowling Green, Ky. in 1980 and he graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1984. Ted attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga. and was initiated as a brother of Sigma Nu Fraternity (Gamma Alpha 1617). It was here that he met his college sweetheart and love of his life, Leigh Studstill. They married June 29, 1991. Leigh and their sons, Will and John, were the love in his heart for almost 27 years. After graduating from Georgia Tech with a bachelor of civil engineering in 1988 and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1995, Ted began a career in structural engineering that spanned more than 30 years. He founded the Atlanta office of Freeland Harris Consulting Engineers in 1993. Profesionally, Ted was known for his talent, fiery competitiveness, and his deep empathy for the people with whom he worked. He loved structural design and deeply valued his relationships with colleagues at both FHCE and Gray Construction.
Ted was honest, humble, kind, and warm to everyone who crossed his path. He remembered the details of others’ lives and checked in on them. He knew how to laugh and inspired others to laugh with him. Most importantly, he loved others effortlessly and unconditionally. Ted also loved Georgia Tech football, U.K. basketball, cotton T-shirts, long afternoons at the beach, sailing, good times with friends and family, and, most of all, he loved people and life. He touched so many of us and will be missed so very much.
In addition to Leigh, Ted is survived by his two children, Will, 21, of Gainesville, Fla., and John, 18, of Atlanta; his mother, Patricia of Amelia Island, Fla.; his three siblings, Dan Harris and his wife, Ginger, of Hickory, N.C., Susan Harris Massey and her husband, Hank, of Atlanta, and Ellen Harris Marmon and her husband, Craig, of Atlanta; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Shallowford Presbyterian Church at a date to be decided.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your gifts of love and support; donations may be made in Ted’s name to Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 2375 Shallowford Road, Atlanta, GA 30345.
“Everything Belongs”