Lana Harris

Asheboro -Lana "Gail" Harris, 69, died Tuesday, February 12, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Surviving is her brother, Ronald (Carol) of Melbourne, FL; nephew, Craig (Sabine) of Tampa, FL; niece Shari (Pedro) Harris Perez and 3 nephews (Tyler, Dylan, Ayden) of Weston, FL; Kaye Moody of North Myrtle Beach; and Kristen (Ian) Moody Butler of Wilmington, NC. She was the daughter of the late Margaret Hobbs Harris and John William Harris of Asheboro, NC. Gail attended Asheboro High School, home of the "Blue Comets," where she set most of the scoring records for women's basketball, including scoring 57 points in one game. She was selected to the all-state team and named MVP of the state tournament after leading her team to a NC state championship in 1960. Gail was the first female athlete inducted into the first Hall of Fame for Asheboro HS in 2004, and her 1960 basketball team was later inducted into that same HOF 50 years after winning the state title. She played shortstop for a nationally ranked softball team where she was recognized as one of the best players in the country. She was an outstanding role model for female athletes. "Gailbo" was truly ahead of her time. After graduating from High Point University with honors in math, Gail taught for 23 years in the High Point City School System, serving also as a counselor and administrator. She was named "Principal of the Year" before returning to the classroom in 1976. Gail also earned an MA from UNC Greensboro in Administration and an MA from NC A & T State University in Education. In 1991, Gail became the General Manager of the ABC Board in Greensboro, NC and displayed great personal integrity and a reputation as a just, fair, and honest administrator who was respected by her employees. During that tenure, the Greensboro Jaycees named Gail "Small Business Leader of the Year" and "Boss of the Year" in 1999. Gail Harris's retiring message to the Greensboro ABC employees in 2001 when talking about the journey of life, was "Do You Live Your Dash?" Moving to the Coast was part of Gail's "Dash". One could count on Gail's steady calm during moments of trial. Throughout her life and illness and even as she approached her transition, Gail shared her delightful sense of humor and ready smile. A special thank you to Mercy Care Hospice and Gail's cousin, Janet, who has been a constant caregiver and provided comfort to the family and friends. There are some angels on earth. A memorial service will be held at Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 1:00 PM. A gathering of friends in Myrtle Beach will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Gail Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Juan family at Conway National Bank, Mercy Care Hospice, or the NMB Humane Society. The love always present between Gail, her family, and her friends is a gift that will be cherished and remembered. "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return" (Eden Ahbez, Moulin Rouge 2001). Online condolences may be sent to the family : www.pughfunerahome.com