Stoney Harris

Stoney Vincient Harris, 64, of High Springs, Florida, passed away on September 20, 2026, in High Springs. After nearly five years of facing cancer with incredible determination and faith, Stoney was ready to go home to be with his Heavenly Father. Cancer was part of the final chapter of his life, but it never defined the man he was or the life he lived.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, Stoney grew up in Hague and Fairbanks, where he spent much of his childhood on his grandfather's farm. Those early years shaped many of the things he loved for the rest of his life: fishing, hunting, working with his hands, caring for the land, and being outdoors with family and friends. At Santa Fe High School, he played linebacker and wrestled before graduating in 1980. He was exceptionally intelligent, with a natural curiosity and a gift for learning practical skills.

For nearly 47 years, Stoney shared his life with Kimberly Diane Harris, his wife and best friend. They met as teenagers at Santa Fe High School and built a life rooted in loyalty, perseverance, friendship, and love. They enjoyed fishing, visiting the beach, riding around, reminiscing, telling stories, spending time with friends, or simply being together at home. Their relationship did not depend on grand occasions; they genuinely enjoyed one another's company.

Stoney was a devoted and sacrificial father to his twins, Chastity and Rainey. He worked hard and often traveled for work when they were young so he could provide for his family and give his children opportunities he had not had. He most often expressed his love through action: showing up, offering honest advice, helping without being asked, protecting the people he loved, and doing what he said he would do. His children knew they could depend on him, trust him, and return to him even when they had made mistakes. He could be stubborn and firm, but his strength was steady, quiet, and grounded in love.

One family story captures both his humor and his calm nature. When the twins were little, Kimberly set up a kiddie pool inside the house and filled it with water. When Stoney came home, he did not get angry. He simply looked at it and said, "That's lovely, Kim. How are we going to get the water out?" The family still laughs about it.

Stoney became a Master Electrician through experience, independent study, determination, and Jack Feagin's mentorship. He bought the books, studied, passed the required examination, and earned his Class D license before formal schooling requirements changed. His knowledge extended from industrial through residential electrical work, and he also worked in Georgia and Alabama. He later worked closely with Donnie Davis for many years. Stoney mentored many men in the electrical trade and in life. He never sought recognition or credit; he simply taught, advised, and helped wherever he could.

Fishing was one of Stoney's greatest lifelong loves. He was equally at home with a cane pole near the lily pads or on a saltwater trip. He baited hooks, helped his children find the fish, and encouraged them to reel in their own big catches. He believed in one last cast and did not like leaving with an empty net. For 25 years, he participated in an annual men's fishing and camping trip to Econfina. The trip was never only about catching fish. It was about fellowship, sitting around the fire, telling stories, remembering earlier years, and spending time together.

He was also a gifted gardener and a careful steward of the land. What began as a large family garden grew into an orchard filled with oranges, peaches, Japanese plums, nectarines, mulberries, grapes, pears, persimmons, berries, and banana trees. Family, friends, and even people he had not seen in a long time were welcome to take what they needed. Stoney wanted the garden and orchard to continue caring for his family after he was gone. His message was simple: if they cared for it, it would care for them. It remains a living reflection of his generosity, stewardship, and love.

Stoney was adventurous, funny, hardworking, loyal, trustworthy, humble, generous, and deeply caring. He valued people more than possessions and believed that things were only things; relationships were what mattered. He did not gossip or pry into other people's lives, but when someone came to him for advice or he sensed that a person needed help, he was there. Many men knew him as a mentor or father figure. He invested his time, knowledge, work, and love in others without expecting anything in return.

His faith was deeply personal and quietly lived. Stoney believed in God, knew Scripture, trusted that God would carry his family through difficult seasons, and wanted the people he loved to know God's love. As his earthly life drew to a close, he expressed that he was ready to go home to be with his Heavenly Father. The one song he specifically requested for his service was "Amazing Grace."

Stoney is survived by his wife, Kimberly Diane Harris; his daughter, Chastity Harris Talton, and her husband, Jacob Talton; his son, Rainey Harris, and his significant other, Elissa McCarthy; his grandchildren, Trenton Talton and River Talton; his mother, Linda Lester; his brothers, Pete and Mario; and his sisters, Monica, Debbie, and Barbara. He is also remembered with love by his extended family, lifelong friends, coworkers, and the many people whose lives he influenced. He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Harris.

Stoney's family is proud to be his family and deeply grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. He will live on in their stories, their choices, the orchard he planted, the lessons he taught, and the many people he helped along the way. He will be remembered as a good and faithful man who loved through action, stood firmly in his beliefs, gave grace, kept his word, and always showed up when someone needed him.

Memorial Gifts and Acknowledgment

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Haven Hospice through the Haven Foundation, 4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, Florida 32606, or online at havenhospice.com/donate.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the relatives, friends, caregivers, and members of the community who have surrounded Stoney and the family with love, prayers, meals, ministry, and support throughout his illness and during this time of grief. The family is also grateful to Haven Hospice for its care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Carter Funeral Home 18724 High Spring Main St High Springs Fl 32643