Robert Myrl “Bobby” Harris
June 20, 1932 ~ July 2, 2012
Rocky Mount - Robert Myrl “Bobby” Harris, 80, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2012. He was born in Nash County on June 20, 1932 to the late John Henry and Viola Woodruff Harris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gertha Lucas; half sisters, Margaret Layton and Inez Gardner.
Bobby graduated from Benvenue High School where he was a member of the basketball team. He was a member of Johnson Tabernacle Baptist Church (now Sunset Avenue Baptist). He was a past member of the Benvenue Ruritan Club and the Rocky Mount Shrine Club. Bobby worked in sales of automotive equipment for many years until retiring due to poor health. He was active in auto drag racing at tracks throughout the region in the 1960s . Additionally, he was heavily involved in motorcycle racing with his sons in the 1970s and 1980s, and he maintained a love for car and motorcycle racing throughout his lifetime.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Deborah Hartness (Scott) of Rocky Mount, Robert Harris, Jr. (Leila) of Fayetteville, Kenneth Harris (Julie) of Matthews and Retired RMFD Chief Keith Harris (Tricia) of Rocky Mount; grandchildren, Jason Harris (Holly) and Lauren McDonald (Matt) both of Raleigh, and Katherine and Rachel Harris both of Charlotte; one great-granddaughter, Cory Ann McDonald of Raleigh; sister, Syrl Ellis of Chester, VA; several nieces and nephews; and his friend and mother of his children, Barbara C. Harris of Rocky Mount.
Special thanks to Susan Smith, the staff and fellow residents of Somerset Assisted Living for their love and care over the past few years. Also to Community Hospice, the family deeply appreciates the care and compassion shown to us.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Frederick E. Turnage Chapter of The American Red Cross, 326 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or The Nash-Edgecombe Humane Society, P.O. Box 1783, Rocky Mount, NC 27802.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 6:00-7:30pm at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and other times at 7232 River Glenn Road, Rocky Mount. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00am at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> |
Thursday 7/5, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Friday 7/6, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Keith, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He sounds like he had many good times with all of his children. Draw on those memories in the days to come and know that he is finally at home. I will keep all of your family in my thoughts and prayers. my sincere condolences, Georgia Miller Phillips
Rob, I am sorry for your loss. God bless you & your family.
I began buying Mohawk automotive lifts from bobby in 1986–we eventually bought seven lifts from Bobby, because we trusted him. Our trust was well-placed–all the lifts still are in operation–two at my home now, and two others in the shops of hobbiests. Two still are in service at the commercial garage. When I had my heart attact, Bobby came to see me in the hospital and we traded war stories. I’ve thought of him often as Ii raise my old Buick up on the 25-year old Mohawk. Bobby was a good friend to me and it seems he lived his life to its fullest–working with his hands to keep the race cars on the track and the lifts properly installed at their new homes. It’s sad that he’s gone, but I’ll always remember him. Paul & Addie Smith P & A Smith Auto Inc. Cary, NC
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Myrl Bobby Harris
To all the family of a Man I will never forget. Please except my upmost special prayer for all of you. God is with you all. There was a special Love between me and your Father and some of the best memories. I never forgot Bob and never will, it was six years that we lived together that were very special. RIP Bob I Love you and God Please be with the family.. Ellen Coats