HARRY MADISON HARRIS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Harry Madison Harris, 72, was recalled by his maker on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at Harris Hospice Unit at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Born on Aug. 16, 1947, in Alamance County, North Carolina, Harry was a son of the late Gobel Wilson Harris and Mary Lenore Clanton Harris. He met his wife, Barbara Gail Ivey Harris, at East Carolina University, and they were married on Aug. 30, 1969. Together they raised three daughters, Jennifer, Amy and Mary.

After graduating from ECU with a major in Spanish and a minor in philosophy, Harry briefly attended Southeastern Baptist Seminary and later earned a master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina. In Sumter, Harry was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and later of Alice Drive Baptist Church. From 1978 until he retired, his work in sales with East Educational Services allowed him to travel throughout South Carolina and to build relationships with many teachers, librarians and other educators.

Harry was a lifelong learner and teacher. He enjoyed listening to live and recorded music, playing soccer, golfing and was a tech enthusiast. He was known for his sense of humor, his humility and his unconditional love for all people.

Survivors include his wife, Gail; his three daughters, Jennifer Gaddy of Charlotte, Amy Hickman of Woodstock, Georgia, and Mary Harris of Burbank, California; his sisters, Judy Lay of Lexington, Kentucky, and Janet Harris of High Point, North Carolina; two grandsons, Ryan and Carter Hickman; two granddaughters, Camden and Laurel Gaddy; and several nieces and a nephew.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at First Baptist Matthews, 185 S. Trade St., Matthews, North Carolina.

Memorial donations may be made to LiveLung.org or CommonHeart.org.