Eugene Loflin Harris, 90, completed his journey here on earth and was called home on Monday, February 11, 2019. He was the son of the late Edward Henry Harris and the late Lelia Jones Harris. He was preceded in death by a brother, Garnett Harris, and three sisters, Carolyn Harris, Ivy Lee Holt and Madeline Holt.
He was a member of Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church and the American Legion. Gene was born October 25, 1928, on a tobacco farm in Charlotte County. It was there the he learned his outstanding work ethic and the value of a dollar. When he was around four years old, his parents gave him a red wagon. Lest he think it was a toy, they quickly put him to work hauling firewood for the stove with that wagon. When Gene was around twelve years old, he made his first trip to the city of Lynchburg. He was amazed to see men and women in business suits and was puzzled why no one was carrying a hoe across their back.
When the U.S. Army came calling, Gene answered that call and served in the Korean War. When he returned home, he met his future bride, Connie Wilkerson, at a square dance in downtown Lynchburg. He would drive twice a week from Drakes Branch to Madison Heights to take her out on a date. They were married April 10, 1954, and have shared everything for the past 64 years. In 1957, Gene began his career at B&W (Mt. Athos) in their machine shop. He was an excellent machinist. Gene also owned his own company, Harris Appliance repair. Many evenings, he could be found working in his basement fixing televisions. Gene could fix anything!
After retiring in 1990, Gene and Connie travelled to Nashville, Orlando, and many Bluegrass Festivals. Gene also enjoyed watching reruns of Heehaw and listening to country music. A quiet man, Gene taught his children by his example. He and Connie lost two of their children – Randy at age 34 and Judy at age 52. This was so hard on them. They leave two children to cherish his memory – Ricky Harris (Kay) residing in Godwin, NC and Susan Tedder (Bill) residing in Mechanicsville. Gene leaves eight grandchildren: Tim, Ben and Joseph Johnson, Samantha (Corey) Rogers, Jonathan Harris, Breonna Plants (Devin), Derrick Tedder and Stephanie Barker. Gene leaves one great granddaughter, Alyssa Rogers. He also leaves a devoted nephew, Mark Holt (Patsy).
Gene’s family is so thankful for everyone who lent a helping hand during this past year when Gene’s health was not the best. The family extends special thanks to Minnie Garrett, Sandy Spencer, Chip Layne, Ruth Dinkins, Wray Coleman, Gary & Carolyn Harris, Eddie Holt and his daughter, Lisa, Betsy & Pete Hamlett, Becky & Donald Simmons, Kay Allen, Brenda & Melvin Scott, Priscilla Mensah and Roger Layne. If the family has forgotten to mention someone who helped, please forgive us. Thanks also to Gene’s favorite doctor, Dr. Prahinski, and his more recent oncologists, Dr. Paul and Dr. Brady and their staffs, as well as staff at the VA Lynchburg Clinic, LGH, and Senior Independence Hospice.
Gene loved his home and wanted to stay at home during this past year. That would not have been possible without the outstanding care from Elite Care Services with Barbara Miller and her wonderful CNA’s – Donna Smith, Tiffany Hurtte, Bridgett Paige and Elizabeth Jackson have all been so good to Gene and Connie. They made it possible for Gene to stay at home. Gene will be missed by many. Hopefully, there are some televisions to be fixed or grass to be mowed on the other side for Gene.
A funeral service will be conducted 12:00 p.m. (noon), Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with the Rev. Elizabeth Ecklund officiating. Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park, where Military Honors will be presented by the Virginia Army National Guard Military Honors Team.
The family will receive friends 4-6 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2019, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and at other times at the residence.
Memorial contributions in Gene’s memory may be made to Elite Care Services at 3721 South Amherst Hwy., Madison Heights, VA 24572. These would be used to assist elderly patients in need.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.
Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family, (434) 239-0331.
