Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David Harris Obituary
HARRIS, JR.
ARDEN - David Page Harris, Jr., 85, passed away Monday, November 28th. David was a native of Arden, N.C., born October 31st, 1926 to David Page Harris Sr. and Elizabeth Merrimon Harris. He attended Kent School in Kent, CT, was a veteran of the US Navy and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and NC State with degrees in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Education. He moved home to Christ School in 1952 were he served as teacher, Assistant Headmaster and then succeeded his father as Headmaster in 1967. He moved to Baton Rouge, LA in 1971 and served as Assistant Headmaster and Administrator at Episcopal High School until his retirement in 1987. He was married for 60 years to Margaret Spencer Gravatt "Pat" Harris, who passed away in February. He is survived by sons, David Page Harris III, John Marshall Harris, James Merrimon Harris; daughters, Spencer Harris Wright and Jane Harris Ringley; 13 grandchildren and a great grandchild due in January.
David was a teacher at heart and a kind mentor who touched the lives of generations of students. He is remembered most for the wisdom he often passed on outside the classroom. He loved books, nature, gardening, choral music and Bach, and no image of David is complete without his ever-present pipe. He was a founding member of both the Asheville and Baton Rouge Choral Societies. He was a very active member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge where he sang in choir for almost 40 years.
A memorial service will be held at Christ School on December 28th. Memorial gifts may be made to Christ School, 500 Christ School Rd, Arden, NC 28704 or Episcopal High School, 3200 Woodland Ridge Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Harris
James Maxwell
November 28, 2019
Mr Harris was a great family man that had a kind heart. He was always in a happy mood when we would speak around campus. Hope to see you again soon, Mr Harris!
January 2, 2012
Sorry to hear about Mr Harris. He was a good role model and a caring person. Summer Dann (Baton Rouge, LA)
James Maxwell
December 21, 2011
Sorry to hear that we have lost such a fine man. Mr. Harris was always friendly and nice every time I had the pleasure to be around him.
Mike Georgion
December 16, 2011
David and I were classmates at Christ School during the 1940's. We both served in the Navy and both came back to get our Masters degrees at UNC after the war.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Dave during home coming last spring. He seemed in such good spirits and health. He will be missed.
Jim Sturges
December 14, 2011
It would be easy to write several pages of memories about "Mr. Harris," and it's good to say that all of them would recall what a concerned, caring, and thoroughly *good* teacher and administrator he was. My time as a boarding student at Christ School was made better because he was there. May angels tend him to his rest.
Emily Longnecker Kay
December 6, 2011
I initially met David (Mr. Harris) when I was a student at Episcopal High in Baton Rouge. I later had the pleasure of singing with him in the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus. Such a kind and giving man - he will be missed.
Antoinette Siddall
December 4, 2011
I am sorry to hear of David's death. I sent the obituary to my daughter, Antoinette Hamilton ( Mrs.Pettigrew V. Hamilton),to forward to her 2 brother's- in -law, David and Andrew Hamilton, who thought highly of him when they were both students at Christ School years ago. Toy Siddall
Mary McConnell
December 4, 2011
I knew David when we sang together in the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus. Always a kind and loving man, it was a sad time when he moved away from us and now is a sadder time when we hear of his death. Sing with the angels, David.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in David Harris's name
Memorial Events
for David Harris
How to support David's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor David Harris's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
