Carroll E. "Mike" Harris

HARRIS, Carroll E. "Mike", 91, of Charlottesville, departed this life on February 12, 2009. He was born in Thelma, Louisa County, Virginia, on November 19, 1917 to the late Vascoe E. Harris and Ashley Leake Harris. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Gardner Harris who passed away on December 12, 2008; two brothers, James Russell Harris and his wife, Carrie, of Gordonsville, and Jerry Allen Harris of Charlottesville; two sisters, Violet Marie Harris May and her husband, Earl, and Hazel Hunter Harris Wood and her husband, Bernard, both of Gordonsville. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Harris Herndon and her husband, Kenneth, of Richmond; granddaughter, Kandyce Herndon Klugh and her husband, Dr. Timothy Richard Klugh, of Greenville, North Carolina; two great-granddaughters, Jordan Nicole Klugh (three years old) and Taylor Rayne Klugh (nine months); a sister-in-law, Ann Spicer Harris of Charlottesville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert L. and Lottie Lee Huckstep, of Charlottesville; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. On October 16, 1940, Mr. Harris enlisted in the Monticello National Guard, Co. K, 116th Infantry. On February 3, 1941, he entered into active service. His military occupational specialty would be Machine Gun Squad Leader. He served in the United States, England and France. On June 6, 1944, "D-Day", he landed on Omaha Beach. On July 11, 1944, he was wounded on the outskirts of St. Lowe, an artillery shell shattering his right arm. In October, he returned to the States where he would be hospitalized for the next 34 months, in five different hospitals and would undergo 19 operations. The doctors did everything they could; however, his arm could not be saved. He received an Honorable Discharge on May 11, 1947, with the rank of "Staff Sergeant" During his career, he received the following: Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Ex Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans of America. After being discharged in 1947, Mr. Harris began his civilian career at the University of Virginia Buildings and Grounds, where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1981 as a paint foreman. He and his family became charter members of the Cherry Avenue Christian Church in January 1955. He was an active and faithful member until his death. He served as deacon for many years, he received a Distinguished Service Award in 1986, Father of the Year in 1989, Chairman of the Churches Buildings and Grounds for many years, and member of the Men's Class. He loved his Church and served with much love. He was a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a very proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and by all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of many. Adults and children alike loved to sit with him and listen to his experiences and stories. These will always be remembered and his legacy will live on. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening February 15, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cherry Avenue Christian Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2009 in the Cherry Avenue Christian Church, with Mr. Scott Carter officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Monticello Memory Gardens. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.