George N. Harris

Mr. George Nathaniel Harris went home to be with the Lord at his residence on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008. He was born Aug. 27, 1926, in Sutherland, Va., to the late George Douglas and Lottie Alice Johnson Harris.

Early in life, George confessed Christ and was baptized at the Rocky Branch Baptist Church in Sutherland, Va. He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II.

George was a retiree of the United States Postal Service where he served as a letter carrier. He also retired from the former Central Fidelity Bank of Richmond, Va. For many years, he was a driver for the Boulevard Cab Company.

Known as Deacon George, Daddy George and Uncle George to so many, George devoted his life to the service of the Lord though his membership of the First Baptist Church (Harrison Street). He gave of his time, talent and tithe through his support of and participation in the life of the church he loved. He was the remaining Deacon Emeritus of First Baptist.

Through the years, he served as a teacher of the B.R. Powell Men's Sunday School Class, chairperson of the Transportation and Human Resources Committees, a member of the Male Chorus and the James H. Threatt Memorial Club. He also took leadership roles in the church Seniors and Food Pantry Ministries. He loved to lift up praise in Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting. He was also a member of St. Stephen's Lodge #247 and Keystone Chapter #4, Holy Royal Arch Masons.

George leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Sarah V. Booker Harris; his only child, Natalie Harris Myers of North Brunswick, N.J.; one granddaughter, Lauren Nicole Myers of North Brunswick, N.J.; a former son-in-law, Frederick A. Myers of Plainfield, N.J.; two stepsons, Milton L. Johnson of Petersburg, Va., and Brain A. Johnson of California; one sister, Lottie Harris Williams of Ettrick, Va.; one brother, Lawrence Eugene Harris (Ann) of Forestville, Md.; one sister-in-law, Dorothy L. Exum of New York City; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and faithful friends.

He will truly be missed for his pleasant smile, quick wit, kind words and concerns of others as well as his collection of amusing T-shirts and hats.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison St., Petersburg, Va. The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, pastor, officiating. Interment to follow at Eastview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at the funeral establishment.

The family will also receive friends at 2105 Anderson St., Petersburg, Va., and may be contacted by calling (804) 861-6805.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Harris online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.