Robert Myrl "Bobby" Harris

Robert Myrl “Bobby” Harris,

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 1960’s. Additionally, he was heavily involved in motorcycle racing with his sons in the 1970’s and 1980’s, 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 the home of his son, Keith Harris. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00 am 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 http://www.wheelerwoodleif.com./