Jack Louie Harris

He was born the second youngest of eleven children to George and Dessie Harris in a modest farmhouse in Rockholds, KY. Jack’s early years in "The Johnny Hollar" instilled in him a lifelong devotion to faith and family. He gave freely to those he loved, never turning away from anyone in need.

Having had no schooling of his own, Jack's father insisted that his children go as far in their education as they could. The family farm could not afford the cost of higher education, so Jack earned his through basketball, receiving athletic scholarships to Cumberland Junior College and Georgetown College.

Around that time, Jack and his six brothers put that basketball talent to work as a family, winning the 1949 National Family Basketball Championship Title. The trophy was as big as the moment, and the boys carried it home with pride.

Shortly after, Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a communications specialist during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he continued his education at the University of Kentucky and earned a master’s degree in mathematics. It was there that he met Linda, a lovely young undergraduate who would one day be his bride. They married on June 1, 1957 in Dry Ridge.

Jack began his career teaching math at James Madison University before IBM recruited him in 1959. The company's frequent transfers took the newlyweds between Kentucky and Ohio. Their family grew along the way - first with Priscilla, a foster child who joined them in 1961, and then with the births of Melissa in 1963 and Todd in 1966.

A final relocation to Raleigh, NC in 1973 brought Jack and his family to the place they would call home for the rest of their lives. He retired from IBM in 1991, having never once dreaded a day of work.

Jack was raised in the Brummet Church of Christ, a small congregation tucked into his beloved Kentucky hollar. When he and his family arrived in Raleigh, the Brooks Avenue congregation welcomed them, and before long Jack was serving as an elder. When the vision of a new church in North Raleigh manifested, he fervently stepped forward as one of the founding elders. Jack held that role faithfully for nearly three decades, until he stepped away in 2012.

He was also a driving force on behalf of Carolina Bible Camp in Mocksville, NC. After joining the Board of Directors in 1986 and soon becoming its chairman, he worked tirelessly to improve the experience for campers. Year after year, Jack recruited new participants and raised funds to renovate, to expand, and to secure the camp's future. A soon-to-rise multipurpose building will be dedicated to Jack and Linda in honor of those efforts.

As much as he gave to others, nothing matched the love Jack poured into his family. When Melissa was injured in a 1982 car accident, Jack became her devoted caregiver for twenty years, with Linda at his side. Their steadfast devotion to her and to each other inspired all who witnessed it.

Soon came the joy he treasured above all. When Todd married in 2002, Jack was blessed with three grandchildren: Luke, Allena, and Macy. No title meant more to him than "Poppy." For them, he would have given the last of everything he had and counted himself rich. Whatever they needed, Poppy was already on his way.

In his later years, Jack found further joy in simple things such as the rhythm of the UK basketball season, weekly lunches at North Ridge Pub, the famous chocolate covered bourbon balls he made each Christmas, and a warm fire to sit beside.

Jack will be remembered for his easy way with people. He never let a stranger stay one for long. Those of us who were lucky enough to be gathered in by Jack will miss him dearly. He loved hard and openly, with a heart as big as the hollar.

Heaven is now a good deal warmer, and the company a good deal better. Jack has taken his seat at the table, and he already knows everyone's name.

Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Ann Harris; his brothers, Glennis Earl Harris and Stanley Burson Harris; his sister, Lela Ethel Harris; his brothers, George Washington Harris Jr. and Lytton David Harris; his sisters, Effie Geneva Harris and Elva Mae Harris; his brothers, Howard Steely Harris and Dewey Edgar Harris; and his sister, Belva Leona Harris.

He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Linda King Harris; his son, James Todd Harris and his wife, Indy; his foster daughter, Priscilla Diana Dadisman; his grandson, Luke Andrew Kennedy and his wife, Kayla; his granddaughter, Allena Marie Harris; his granddaughter, Macy Lou Harris; and his great granddaughter, Josephine Elizabeth Kennedy.

The family will receive friends at noon on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at North Raleigh Church of Christ, 8701 Falls of Neuse Road. A service will begin at 1:00pm, with interment to follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's memory online or by mail to Carolina Bible Camp & Retreat Center, 1988 Jericho Church Road, Mocksville, NC 27028 or to North Raleigh Church of Christ. Links to make online donations are listed below under "donations".