Robert Merle Harris

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.