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Harry Gilbert
Harris
Aug 12, 1951 — Oct 1, 2025
Harry Gilbert Harris, age 74, passed away on October 1, 2025. Harry was born August 12, 1951, in Brevard, NC. Harry lived a life defined by his unwavering love for his family, a strong work ethic, selfless service, and faith in God.
On October 30, 1973, Harry married the love of his life, Lorene. Together, they built a legacy on love, laughter, and care, raising three children: Craig, Curtis, and Shannon. Harry was endlessly proud to be a husband and father and poured his heart into creating lasting memories with his family. Harry made it a priority to always "show-up" and be present in the lives of his children. Harry volunteered for many years as a Little League baseball coach, coaching both Craig, Curtis, and supporting Shannon's numerous dance recitals. Harry made it a priority to ensure his family had opportunities and experiences more abundant than those he had growing up.
Those who knew Harry will remember his outgoing-humored personality, infectious laugh and his natural ability to make others feel acknowledged and uplifted. A childhood dream of his, he always felt a calling to serve as a police officer and give back to his community. At the age of forty-two (42), Harry changed careers as a flooring contractor and entered law enforcement. He worked tirelessly during the day and after work, attended Basic Law Enforcement Training at night for six (6) months, earning his Law Enforcement Certification from Asheville Buncombe Tech. In January of 1995, Harry joined the Brevard Police Department as a full time officer where he would serve for over sixteen (16) years before medically retiring. His compassion was unmatched, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him. Only God knows the countless lives that were changed because of Harry's selfless service to others.
Harry embraced life's joys with enthusiasm. A dedicated sports fan, he loved to watch his son's play sports and rooted passionately for the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He played in competitive softball, basketball, and bowling leagues. He loved anytime spent with his family celebrating holidays, birthdays, achievements, and anytime his family could gather together. It was these times that were among his favorite moments in life. Harry loved to socialize, laugh and celebrate the bonds he held most dear.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Lorene; his sons, Craig Harris (Monika), Curtis Harris (Nicolle), and daughter; Shannon Miller; his grandchildren, Trenton, Amaya, Cairo, Dylan and Sammy; his siblings, Larry Jr., Harold, Laura, Marsha Fay, and Michael; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Harris and his mother, Maggie Harris. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his brother, Charles "Chuck" Harris.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to anyone you can help through acts of love and selfless service.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Harry Gilbert Harris will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 2:00 PM, at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home, 181 S Caldwell St, Brevard, NC 28712.
We met over 54 years ago in Ohio, on a city bus heading Downtown (Dayton). Harry was going to the YMCA to play basketball, and I was going to support the protests against the war. Something we both did, on most Saturdays during High School. Each of us was with a mutual friend who introduced us. We started dating thereafter and have been together ever since.
The year after Harry graduated from High School, my family and I moved to California, and Harry left Ohio for North Carolina. Our plan was to meet up here in Brevard after I finished High School. But a couple of months later Harry boarded the Greyhound bus for California with $100.00 in his pocket. He arrived in downtown Los Angeles and got a room across from the bus terminal, at the infamous Cecil Hotel. A sketchy place to live, but he persevered and found work sweeping up buildings undergoing construction. That was where he met a man who had a carpet business and he hired Harry on as a helper. There he learned how to install carpet and became one of the best in his field. He was a hard worker with a positive attitude and friendly demeanor but sometimes could be impulsive.
I remember shortly after we were married, I was sick at home, and I sent him to the store for coffee creamer. He came back with a Pontiac Trans-Am! Of course, no coffee creamer. He always knew what he wanted and went for it.
A few years later we bought a house and started a family. He could not wait to be a father and was ecstatic when it finally happened. He was the best Dad. He parented from his heart and loved our kids wholeheartedly. He lived a good life on his own terms, with a good moral character. Harry was a fun loving and a real people person. He connected with people everywhere he went.
Harry was a caring husband. We made each other laugh often. He taught me what unconditional love was, and we learned a lot from each other. Our love for one another was strong, and we truly believed our souls were destined to be together. Love always and be at Peace, -Lorene
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