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Vernon Harris Obituary

Vernon T. Harris, 96, of Floyd, died Monday, October 27, 2008. He was born to Clarence and Lura Alderman Harris on September 27, 1912, near Buffalo Mountain in Floyd County. He graduated from Willis High School and then worked at Auburn Automobile Company in Indiana fitting wood trim on the 1936 line of Cords and Auburns. He then returned to Floyd to purchase run a dry cleaning business, Harris Cleaners, which he and his wife operated until 1997. He was a charter member of the Floyd Volunteer Fire Department, the Ruritan Club, the Floyd Merchants' Association and an organizing member of the Blue Sox, part of the 1950s Tri-County baseball league and a member of the Floyd Lions Club. He served on the town council and as mayor of Floyd for a total of 22 years and was a member and trustee of Floyd United Methodist Church. He and his wife loved to travel. Vernon was also known for his fine sense of humor, and he particularly liked to talk about his bottle collection, displayed in the shop.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Cornelia Thomas Harris; great-granddaughter Annalia Meredith Wills; sisters, Mary Hylton and Geneva Simmons; and brother Freeman Harris. He is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Judy Duesberry, and Constance and John Mitchell; his grandchildren, Gina (Michael) Christian and Christie (Stephen) Wills; great-grandson, Jackson Thomas Wills; brothers, Russell Harris (Margurite), Wendell Harris ( LaNita); sister, Ruby Dickerson ( Calvin) and special family friend Juanita Dortch.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2008, at the Floyd United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Gregory officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Floyd United Methodist Church 417 East Main Street.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Floyd United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 55, Floyd Va. 24091 or the Floyd Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 257, Floyd Va. 24091 or the Floyd Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 33, Floyd, Va. 24091.
Arrangements by Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd. Online condolences may be sent to www.maberryfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Harris

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Clarence Dishman

November 13, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to you in the death of your loved one and our dear friend, Vernon. I was Vernon's pastor for four years 1975-79 and my wife and I developed a friendship with him and Cornelia. He was a fine man and a Christian brother. God bless you. We just heard of his death today.

Reva Hylton

October 30, 2008

To all of Vernon's family
He has left us all with many stories and good memories.Hold on to all the good things he has left in your hart.Our prayers our with you all.
John and Reva

Randy Mitchell

October 30, 2008

Susie and I are sorry for your loss. We hold you in our hearts and wish you peace in your time of mourning.

Mack & Sheree Montgomery

October 30, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

thornton turman

October 30, 2008

Judy, Connie, John and Family -

Giving up a love one is never easy. Prayers for comfort, peace and wisdom.

God Bless - Thornton & Linda

kay Traube

October 29, 2008

Judy and Connie,
My prayers are with you during this sad time. But what a wonderful life he led and now he and your mom are together again. I will never forget our times together upstairs in the apartment and how much I loved your parents. They were such a class act! They were like second parents to many of us. Best wishes and much love. Kay Simpson Traube

Debbie Weeks Reed

October 29, 2008

Harris Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Vernon's passing. I remember going to the cleaners side and visiting with your mom and dad while Mom was doing the weekly laundry when I was younger. I also remember babysitting Gina and Christie for them on occasion when they were babies. Vernon will be greatly missed and you have my deepest sympathy. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Mary Weddle

October 29, 2008

Judy, Connie and Johnny,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father.Vernon was a very dear friend and his memories will live forever in my heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
With Love and prayers,

Donna Graham

October 28, 2008

May God Bless You with Happy Memories of your Wonderful Dad and Grandad! Vernon was a very special man who made an impact on many of our lives. We'll always remember his sweet, friendly smile and how he loved to make us laugh! We'll miss him but will cherish his memory! God Bless You All! Love, Dean & Donna Graham

Jody Lipham

October 28, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Karen T. Thompson

October 28, 2008

Vernon has left many fine memories for the folks of Floyd County; remembering the Vernon & Vernon skits with "Shorty" and how he made us laugh! Those memories are precious. Thoughts and prayers and our deepest sympathy go out to the family during this time. Karen T. Thompson, Floyd,VA

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