Porter Hugh Harris
October 22, 1924 ~ October 22, 2006
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Porter Hugh (Shorty) Harris, 82, of 33 Tipton Road, Candler, died Sunday, October 22, 2006, at the VA Medical Center.
A native of Buncombe County, Mr. Harris was a son of the late J. Sidney and Mattie Merrell Harris. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Aurelia Harris and Martha Wilson and two brothers, Joe and Jim Harris.
Mr. Harris was a graduate of Oakley School, Brevard College, and the University of Tennessee with a degree in Agriculture. He was an Army veteran of WW II serving in the 6th Armored Division in Europe. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star.
He was a salesman for many years in veterinary health products, traveling throughout North and South Carolina. He volunteered at ABCCM and was a member of the Gideons and a life member of both the VFW Post 891 and the American Legion.
Mr. Harris was a member of Abernethy United Methodist Church where he held many offices. He taught the Houts Sunday School Class and was a member of the Men's Brotherhood.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Clara Ownbey Harris; a son, Stephen H. Harris; a daughter Portia Harris Gajewski and her husband, Robert; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Melissa, Matthew, Megan, Philip and Katherine; a sister, Cleo Conner and her husband, Robert; sister-in-law, Betty Cauble Harris and brother-in-law Alvin Wilson.
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Abernethy United Methodist Church with the Rev. Heidi Campbell-Robinson officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
His family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806, or to Gideon's International, PO Box 1007, Asheville, NC 28802.
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Steve
i just heard about your dad today. i’m really sorry about your loss. shorty always could get alaugh out of me when we were growing up. tell your mom and sis i’m thinking of them and you too old buddy.
once again i’m sorry for your loss
Bob
Dear Clara, Steve and Portia,
We are so sorry for your loss. Although it has been many years since we’ve seen you, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Bud and Zoe MacDonald
Dear Steve,
Although I did not know your father, knowing you makes me believe he was indeed quite a man to have raised such a fine son. His service to his country and community, and most importantly his investment in his family is something to be cherished. My prayers are with you and yours that you may find peace in knowing he is resting in the warm and gentle embrace of our Lord.
Sharon
I work with Shorty at Hyman Young,he was a good man,an he will be miss by everyone that know him. –Spanky Rice
Clara,
We wanted to let you know how much we will miss Shorty’s smileing face. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Joyce and Crew
To the Harris family:
Shorty was truly a remarkable man. We are glad we came to know Shorty. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. God bless you all.
Love,
Steve, Blanche & Elizabeth
Hello Shorty,
It was hard to hear the news you were gone. Upon hearing that you were not with us anymore, I retraced a thousand memories of the time we have known each other. You were always there for me in so many ways, a leader in our church, and supporter of my academics and an inspiration to my career and a United States Army Officer. It has been my honor and privilege to have known a man of your caliber and to learn from you. From high school and college graduations, to my first salute in the Army, you have forever impacted my life. Though I must say good bye to the physical man which I shared laughs and shook hands with, I will now carry you forever in my heart, and I will never forget impact that Shorty Harris had on my life. My neighbor, role model, and my friend, I will miss you. Godspeed Shorty, till we meet again.
Love Always- Jason Roberts
Dear Portia and Family,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.We are all very sorry for your loss.
Love, Jill and Walter
Alex,Andrew,Wally and Sophie
Clara and family,
I am so sad to hear of Shorty’s passing, but know that he is with God and someday we will be with him again. Meeting you both almost ten years ago at Abernethy was part of what made our family feel so welcome. It was such a privilege to know such a wonderful, smiling and incredible man. He will be greatly missed. It is my prayer that God give you strength during this most difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Nancy, Kyle and Meghan Nickel
Dear Clara, Steve, & Portia,
As I was reading the Asheville paper on line, I saw that Shorty had passed away. I am so sorry to hear that. I know you will miss him very much. I know we haven’t kept in touch, but I think of you often. God bless you.
P.S. Did he still have that picture of Dolly?
We at Abernethy have shared with you,Shorty’s life for many years,most of those friends have known you and Shorty much longer than I, but my love is just as strong.My heart and love will be with you, Clara.
Portia, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. It was good to see you a few years ago when you were visiting him at the VA. Just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely, Nancy Lott
I loved my Uncle Shorty, I was always so proud to call him my kin. He was a gentleman, he gave alot of love and caring for his people and everyone he met. Not many of his caliber he will definetly be missed. I loved him so.
To Clara and everyone–I wish I could be there with y’all. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May Uncle Shorty rest in peace.
Love,
Kami