Harry Madison Harris

Harry Madison Harris, 72, was recalled by his Maker on Thursday, February 20, 2020 in the Harris Hospice Unit at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Born August 16, 1947 in Alamance County, NC, Harry was the 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 August 30, 1969. Together they raised three daughters, Jennifer, Amy, and Mary. Harry was a 1965 graduate of Asheboro High School in Asheboro. 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, NC, Amy Hickman of Woodstock, GA, and Mary Harris of Burbank, CA; his sisters Judy Lay of Lexington, KY and Janet Harris of High Point, NC; two grandsons, Ryan and Carter Hickman; two granddaughters, Camden and Laurel Gaddy; and several nieces and a nephew. A memorial service will be held February 29, 2020 at First Baptist Matthews, 185 S. Trade Street in Matthews, NC at 2 PM. Memorial donations may be made to LiveLung.org or CommonHeart.org.