FORMER RHEA COUNTY SHERIFF OLA HARRIS PASSES AWAY AT 99
The Rhea County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Mike Neal and Chief Deputy John Argo, has expressed profound condolences to the family and friends of former Sheriff Ola Harris, who passed away recently. Harris served two terms as Rhea County Sheriff from 1968 to 1974, following earlier years as a deputy, during which he participated in numerous busts of illegal moonshine stills—a prominent underground activity in 1960s Tennessee.
After his law enforcement career, he continued contributing to the local community and would have celebrated his 100th birthday on May 4, 2026.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 27, at The Grove in Dayton, followed by the service at 2:00 P.M. and burial at Summer City Cemetery on Dayton Mountain.
