Robert “Bobby” Merle Harris
September 22, 1938 ~ March 5, 2017
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ROCKY MOUNT - Robert “Bobby” Merle Harris, age 78, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017. Born in Martinsville, VA on September 22, 1938, he was the son of the late Charles Elsie Harris and Sallie R. King Harris.
Bobby was a graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High. He obtained his Associate Degree in Electronics at Wilson Technical School at night while working a fulltime job during the day. His learning ability was never ending. He helped many people over the years with his knowledge. He worked in the electric motor repair field since the age of 17. Throughout the years, he worked at Hammond Electric, Industrial Electric Sales and Services, Inc. and Fulghum Fibers, Inc., starting out as a machinist and he progressed his professional responsibilities as a Shop Operations Manager. He enjoyed flying private aircraft to many places around the world. Bobby enjoyed every single day and never met a stranger. He filled his days spending time with his family and making memories he dearly cherished. A man of great faith, Bobby was a member of Temple Bible Church serving as a deacon and an elder and he loved his church family very much. He loved restoration of antique and classic cars. He also collected old military rifles from WWI and WWII. Bobby was a member of the Bright Leaf Antique Auto Club, Gatlin Hunting Club and CB Radio Club. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him. A lifelong friend, Mitchell Skinner said not only have I lost a friend and mentor, the electric motor industry has lost an icon.
Bobby leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 59 years, Jean Vandiford Harris; and daughter, Cynthia Harris Robbins and husband, Danny, of Sharpsburg. He is also survived by grandchildren, Rusty Dallas Robbins and Bobby Eugene Robbins; brother, Charles Edward Harris of Rocky Mount; sister, Nancy Harris Howell of Enfield; and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services.
Flowers are welcome.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 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
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Friday 3/10, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 3/11, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Lit a candle in memory of Robert Bobby Merle Harris
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Bobby Merle Harris
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When I was younger..Uncle Bobby and Aunt Jean would take me home with them after church just about every Sunday so Cynthia an I could ride the go-cart or play batmitten in the back yard – swing in the swings. Then in the summer we would go to the beach in the camper that was on the back of the truck. A lot of really good memories with him and Aunt Jean and Cynthia. I love you Uncle Bobby and will miss you deeply.
Mr Bobby was one of the best men I had ever met. He will be missed tremendously by his Fulghum Family. He was always willing to help us in anyway possible. His connections in the electric motor world were invaluable to our company. Bobby loved his wife very much. He always had her with him it seems. He would always tell us about his children and grandkids. They were the light in his eyes. On behalf of the Hardcashmill, Scott Sudderth.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Bobby Merle Harris
Bobby could fix any problems that had at the plant in Woodland Maine. I will miss him. Rip Noyes Fulghum Fibres
Mr. Bobby was a wonderful person, I am proud to have known him and will miss him dearly. We became friends as Fulghum co-workers, I always enjoyed seeing him and especially when he had Ms. Jean with him too. He loved his family and his work, we were all blessed to know him and my heart goes out to Ms. Jean and family. Hugs and prayers, Jan Herron( Augusta, GA)
I remember the countless times as a child Uncle Bobby would hand me some of his change after church on sunday ,i can still hear him say you tell anyone and you ever ,never ,ever get any more .I knew he was picking on me because i did not talk much unless i was asked a question .Thanks to the few deep sea fishing trips with him I still love to go deep sea fishing .
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Bobby Merle Harris
Mr. & Mrs Harris are two of the most special christian people you ever have the pleasure of meeting. Mr. Harris in my mind will always be that faithful father figure and friend with the kindest, most precious character. The world has certainly lost a special person and I know that my Dad and Mr. Harris are sitting somewhere in Heaven and enjoying their reunion. I thank the Lord for bringing our families together a long time ago and for all he meant to me in the way of a true example of friendship through the years! LaRee Langley, The Jackson Family and Christ’s Independent Baptist Church Family