Roger Eugene Harris

ROCKY MOUNT – Roger Eugene Harris, age 71, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Rocky Mount, NC on February 15, 1954, he was the son of the late Sterling Clary Harris and Alice Jean Tuttle Harris, who lovingly instilled in him a life devoted to Christ.

Roger lived a life defined by faith, family, and friendship. He cherished his many roles as husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Safy Harris; his sons, George Harris and Roger Harris; and his step-children, whom he loved as his own — Laura Hearn (Bradley), Will Kornegay (Erin), and Jenny Yanni (Steven). He is also survived by his brothers, John Tuttle Harris (Patsy) of Warsaw, VA, and James Sterling Harris (Elaine) of Milford, VA and many nieces & nephews.

Roger was known as “Rara” to his grandchildren — Anderson, Cutchin, Dawson, Annie, Sophie, and Sterling — who adored him deeply and received his boundless affection in return. He also leaves behind many special and dedicated friends who were as close as family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Alice Jean Harris.

The youngest child in his family, Roger was born a rascal with determination. His drive and heart led him into a successful career in the tobacco industry, where he rose to become Senior Vice President of Sales at Universal Leaf North America. He had profound gratitude for his work that took him all over the world, where he formed lifelong friendships and built a legacy of integrity and trust.

Despite his global travels, his favorite moments were closer to home: Annual trips with Liz and friends to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, weekly rounds of golf with his buddies, and cherished vacations at North Carolina beaches with his children and grandchildren were his “golden memories.”

Roger’s tenacity was unmatched. His children often joked that he must have been in the CIA, because his sharp attention to detail meant he always knew what they were up to — especially if it was something they shouldn’t be! A natural salesman with sharp instincts and unrelenting determination, Roger always followed through, never stopping until the job was done. He was a trusted source of wisdom, always ready to teach, guide, and support those around him.

These remarkable qualities — his persistence, generosity, and warmth — made Roger one of the most loving people you could know.  He gave sacrificially, loved deeply, and formed meaningful, lasting relationships. Yet he often said his greatest achievement was coming to know and serve Jesus Christ, closely followed by the time spent with his family.

He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his strength of character, his boundless generosity, and the joy that he brought into every room. His legacy of Christian love and devotion will live on in his family and all who were blessed to know him.

As he often sang with loved ones, “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” We know he is now free from pain, rejoicing with Jesus forevermore.

A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Redeemer Church, 940 N. Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC  27804 with Dr. Dayton Hartman officiating.  A visitation will follow the service until 6:30 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Roger’s memory to Redeemer Church: 3661 Sunset Avenue #106, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Ripe for Revival 501c: 161 English Road, Rocky Mount NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & 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.