L. Reid Harris

Mr. Leon Reid Harris, affectionally known as Reid, age 95, of Sanford, NC, died Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Parkview Retirement Center. 

He was born in Chatham County, NC on January 17, 1924 to the late Paul Dalton Harris and Mallie Straughn Harris.  Reid was the first born of eight children: Welford (Pat) of Pittsboro, NC, Betty Lambert (deceased), Mildred Sheffield (deceased), Nancy Laird (Andrew) of Sophia, NC, Wayne (Pat) of Siler City, NC, Linda Humphry (deceased) and Herbert (deceased).

He was married for 65 years to Clara Cheek Harris and they are survived by children Lynn R. Harris and wife Pam of Spartanburg, SC, Carolyn H. Wood of Virginia Beach and W. Scott Harris of Hilton Head, SC.  He was blessed with four grandchildren: Austin (Lindsey), Lauren Brown (Chad), Kevin Wood (Jill) and Bryan James Wood and three great-grandchildren Ellie Harris, Theodore and Everett Wood.

Reid was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sanford, NC where he served as a Deacon, Elder, Elder Emeritus and on the Council of Coastal Carolina Presbytery.

He worked 45 years as an employee of Central Electric Membership Cooperation with 35 years a General Manager.  He was president and director of NC Electric Membership Cooperation and Tarhill Electric Membership Association and director of NC Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Reid was a member of the Civitan Club for 61 years - holding various offices including President of Sanford Civitan Club and Lieutenant Governor of NC Eastern District.  He was Civitan of the year in 1980 and 2007.

He served in the United States Army from 1945-1947 in the fiscal division and worked on the Bob Scott and Jim Hunt campaigns for Governor of NC.  He also served on the Lee County Draft Board.

Reid was awarded “Caregiver of the Year” in 2012 by Lee County Enrichment Center after selflessly caring for his ailing wife Clara 6 ½ years.  This exemplified his love for people.  He always had a love for people by giving out hugs, smiles and always gave quarters to children.

“He loved everyone a whirlful”

The family will receive friends in the Colonnade Hall of First Presbyterian Church, Sanford, NC on Monday, November 11, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  The funeral service will follow at 11:30 in the sanctuary of the church with Rev. Brad Simpson and Rev. Bruce Benton officiating.  Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at Meroney United Methodist Church cemetery, 10568 NC Hwy 902, Bear Creek, NC 27207, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations, in Mr. Harris’ memory, to First Presbyterian Church, 203 Hawkins Ave., Sanford, NC 27330.

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