DUBLIN - Joel Lee Harris was born on October 8, 1973, in Richmond, Indiana, to Montie J. Harris and Cora Anne (Abel) Harris. From day one, he didn't know a stranger. He left this earth in the early morning hours of January 9, 2026, after a short courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by many of those who loved him most.

He grew up on the Pike and spent lots of time outside and at his paternal grandparent's farm just down the road. He was a proud Dublin Irish, Parkway Panther, and Lincoln Eagle, graduating in 1992. He played football and wrestled while in school and also played travel baseball when he was younger (often having to show his birth certificate to prove he wasn't too old) and was on the swim team.

There wasn't anything Joel couldn't fix or do. He was smart, creative, and artistic from an early age. Those skills and abilities were woven into his own home remodeling business for a few years, in the many amazing culinary dishes he would cook, and the amazing artwork he created. Joel worked most of his adult life for Ed and Susie Dungan at Dungan Plumbing and Heating. The Dungans treated Joel as a son and he cared for them deeply.

Joel is survived by his mom, dad, three older siblings, a niece, and a nephew: Jennifer (Ken) Risch, Jonathan Harris, Jannine Harris, Jessica Risch, and Jaren Harris.

Joel was preceded in death by both his paternal and maternal grandparents, as well as his beloved dogs - Dollie, Samson, and Shepp.

We are forever grateful to Joel's "Brothers from another Mother" Billy, Sean, Jimmy, and Mark, along with countless buddies and friends. To know Joel was to love Joel. Please join us on Thursday, January 15th, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Dublin. We will gather casually to honor Joel's memory with stories, music, and fellowship. Service will follow at 6 p.m.

Memorials may be made to First Bank Richmond, 200 W. Main, Cambridge City, IN 47327. Make checks payable to- Jennifer Risch, with the memo- Joel Harris Memorial Fund .