Lewis Daniel "Danny" Harless, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, surrounded by his family, following a long, courageous battle with dementia. He was born in Nashville, TN to the late Lewis Daniel Harless, Sr. and Lady Claire Neely Harless. He spent his formative years in many cities, Savannah, Detroit, and Cleveland, but most of his adult life in Mobile, AL, and Tennessee. He was a graduate of Murphy High School where he was Captain of the Varsity Track team, a member of the National Honor Society and president of the student council. He attended David Lipscomb University and graduated magna cum laude in 1958 with majors in Speech/English education and Biblical Studies, with a minor in Greek.

Danny met his wife when they were 14, in Mobile, AL at Government Street Church of Christ, where Dan, Sr. had accepted the role of pulpit minister. They were high school sweethearts and attended Murphy High School and David Lipscomb University together. They were married in 1956 at the church where they met and have celebrated 69 years together. Several years later, he attended Spring Hill College, in Mobile, completed a degree in Chemistry, and began a 20 year career with BLP Paint Company as head of the chemical laboratory. Danny served as elder and part-time minister for many years in The Churches of Christ in Mobile.

In 1979, he made the decision to fulfill a lifelong desire to be more active in the Lord's work. He resigned from BLP Paint and accepted a full-time position as pulpit minister with New York Avenue Church of Christ in Oak Ridge, TN. Thus, he began a 20 year career in preaching the gospel. He was a member of the Ministerial Alliance, a collective group of ministers who sought to foster strong relationships between all denominations in the community who share the Christian faith.

In 2000, he resigned from ministry and accepted the role as Director of Development with LakeShore Properties/ The Meadows. When considering retirement, he realized he loved working with the residents and community too much to leave. He reduced his hours and became the chaplain for the three LakeShore properties. He enjoyed that role until his full retirement in 2017. Eventually, Dan and Jane became residents of the retirement community with The Meadows.

Danny was a devoted family man who led his home with love and grace, ensuring his children knew the value of faith. His gentle, but strong, spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew him; He was a true example of a godly man. He was an optimistic, visionary thinker, who tackled a challenge with great zeal and joy. He was a calming, reconciling force in a room and could be a bridge-builder to bring people together to resolve conflict. His family meant everything to him...something he often mentioned. He had the rare ability to seek and recognize a person hurting or going through a difficult time, to help them find hope.

Danny is survived by his wife Jane Schreiner Harless, brothers Edwin Lipscomb Harless (Vivian), Winston Neely Harless (Lisa), Walton Neely Harless (Marna), and sister Linda Harless Fann (the late Joe Fann). Daughters: Cindy Harless Rice (Kent, former spouse), Sherilyn Harless Tallent (Charlie), Meridy Harless Kizer (Nathan), Sons: Mark Daniel Harless (Jennifer), Matthew Lewis Harless (Liz). Grandchildren : Regan Rice, Michelle Rice-Sales, Jackson Tallent, MeganTolbert (Trevin), Ashleigh Montgomery (Graham), Abigail Harless, Jack Harless, Mattie Harless, Denver Kizer, and Silas Kizer. Great-Grandchild: Rowan Rice

Visitation will be held on March 4th, 2026, at 11:30am, with the Memorial Service at 1:30pm. All services will be held at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221.

Remembrances are suggested to:

Lakeshore/The Meadows, Enrichment/Activities Department, 8044 Coley Davis Road, Nashville, TN 37221