Wayne Dawson Harris

1943 - 2021

Harris, Wayne Dawson

Wayne Dawson Harris passed away at age 77 on January 25, 2021 at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro with his wife of 50 years, Gerry, at his side. He was an amazing son, son-in-law, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Wayne was born on November 13, 1943 in Salisbury, NC to Alice Lucille (Weant) and Robert Dawson Harris, Sr. He and his brother, Kenny, grew up on Chapman Street in Greensboro, and he was a 1962 graduate of Grimsley (then Greensboro) High School. Wayne graduated from Guilford College with a B.S. in Economics in 1967 and then proudly served in the United States Air Force until 1971. He was nominated for White House duty and an Air Force Commendation Medal but declined the nomination in order to return to Greensboro to care for his mother. Wayne then began a long, committed career as an insurance underwriter at Jefferson-Pilot. He was a continuous learner and was proud of his graduation from the Management Development Program at UNC-Greensboro.

Wayne prided himself on being helpful, and knew a lot about a lot of things, which came in handy for those seeking help. He coached youth softball and served as Director of Jamestown Youth League. He appreciated all things outdoors from the coast to the mountains and held a special affinity for New Mexico and the Southwest. He enjoyed the companionship of all his family pets, including his bird dogs. His family and friends appreciated his dry sense of humor and comforting wit. He and Gerry loved traveling together and attended numerous Neil Diamond concerts. In his retirement, he shared many laughs and lots of support in a weekly breakfast gathering with his close friends and colleagues.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, brother, half-brother Robert "June" Dawson Harris, Jr., and mother and father-in-law Hyacinth and William Leon Futrelle, Jr. He leaves to celebrate his life and carry his legacy forward his wife Geraldine "Gerry" DeVane Harris (Futrelle) of Greensboro; children Lauren (Quinn Vance) of Apex, Audrey (Jonathan Mercer) of Seattle, and Kenneth of Albuquerque; grandchildren Alexander, Ella, and Jacob Vance; sisters and brothers-in-law Cindy (Kenneth) Bland, Frances (Michael) Lewis, and Lucy (Ken) Mundy; nieces and nephews Keith (Melanie) Boswell, Brent (Katie) Boswell, Stephen (Kimberly) Lewis, Mitchell (Natalie) Bland, Neal (Laura) Bland, Tim (Julie) Robey, and Heather (Jason) Mundy; and so many wonderful friends.

The family so appreciates all the compassionate care provided by Dr. Sherrill, Dr. Webb, the staff of Moses Cone Hospital, and especially Nurse Stephanie, who provided such genuine care at the end of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Veterans Administration, the Sierra Club, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.forbisanddick.com.