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David Harris Obituary
July 12, 1944 - November 10, 2024
Dr. David "Dewey" Harris, a cherished member of the Winston Salem community and a devoted advocate for animal care, passed away at the age of 80. Born on July 12, 1944, in Harmony, NC, David led a life marked by service, passion, and dedication. After completing his education at Pfeiffer College, where he earned an AB in Biology and Chemistry, Dr. Harris pursued his passion for animal care by attending Tuskegee University. There, he achieved his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in veterinary sciences. Following his academic achievements, Dr. Harris served honorably in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant. He then founded Abri Veterinary Hospital in Winston Salem, NC, where he dedicated over 45 years to caring for animals and making a lasting impact on countless pets and their owners. Beyond his professional accomplishments, David was an avid kite surfer and enjoyed skiing regularly with his beloved wife, Cathy. His love for animals extended into his personal life as well; he and Cathy lovingly cared for 11 cats and their cherished dog, Katie. David's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his family, his country, and the animals he so dearly loved. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Cathy) Tuttle Harris, PhD of Winston Salem; brother, Robert Harris and wife Clara of Mooresville, NC; sister, Doris Eudy and her son, Danny Harrington and wife, Stephanie. He was predeceased by his parents, Vander Lewis Harris and Brady Myers Harris, as well as siblings, Jean Sprinkle, John Harris, James Harris, Eileen Tolbert, and Sue Harris. Dr. Harris's legacy will be remembered through the lives he touched and the community he served with compassion and integrity. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at Friendship Methodist Church in Newton with Pastor Rick Auten officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the church. Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences. Burke Mortuary in Maiden is serving the Harris Family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Harris
Sponsored by Burke Mortuary of Maiden Inc. - Maiden.
Nick Bragg
January 31, 2025
Dr. Harris was a great vet. He was always there for all my animals at Abri in Winston Salem from 1986 until he left the practice. When my animals were sick he very quickly established the issue and worked fast to solve the problem. All his treatments made sense put the animals first. Abri died when Dr. Harris and Dr. B left. Those guys were Abri. May he rest in peace and God bless and watch over and his family.
Darlene L Raper
January 1, 2025
I met Dr. Harris when I was 14 Years old. We had a very sick poodle and no one would help due to it being Sunday. We met him at his office on Salisbury Road. He was so caring with Teddy. In a couple of days Teddy was back to normal. Dr. Harris was our vet from then on. I have known this kind soul for close to 50 years. He gave me his personal number. There was not a time I called him that he didn't meet me at the office. The animals certainly have lost a true advocate for them. For those of us who knew him, we have certainly lost a friend and an amazing vet. There will never be another Dr. Harris. My sympathies to his family.
Judy Bell
December 6, 2024
Dr. Harris touched my heart via the care he provided for my pets. The most memorable being him spending a night in the clinic with one of my dogs, Gordie, in hopes of finding what was wrong and how to remedy it. He called the next morning to tell me he had not been able to find the source of the illness and I made the decision to put the pet down. Later that day I went to the clinic to pay the bill. Zero. And this after he had spent the night with the dog in his clinic. As far fetched as this may sound it is true. Dr. Harris was a true animal lover, great veterinarian, and was a true giant among men. He will be missed.
Tina Denny
December 4, 2024
Dr. Harris was a very kind man and a wonderful Vet. My mother was one of his first clients and he took care of all of our babies til he retired. Prayers for the family and appreciation for his love/wonder care of fur babies.
Cindy Johnson
December 4, 2024
I am so saddened by this news. Dr. Harris was the BEST vet ever!! There are none like him left! I cherish the memories of him taking the very BEST care of my fur babies!
Cindy Hundley Johnson
Carol Robbins
December 3, 2024
Catherine I am so shocked and sadden by your husband's death. I knew him before he became my landlord as a dedicated and caring doctor. He was a doctor to my many cats and one dog over the many years I have known him. He always responded quickly to any concern or problem I had with the house I have lived in for many years. Please know that my thoughts are with you and words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this most sad and difficult time.
Gail Beck
December 3, 2024
I was a client of Dr. Harris since his Mother was his only Office Helper when he started his practice in W-S. He was ALWAYS caring and so helpful with my cats and dogs. We shared many over the years and he was the best at helping them and me. You can tell if someone really enjoys their vocation and Dr. Harris was the best. He brought in many others and all were as compassionate as he was. He will be very missed and my sympathies are with his wife and family
Joyce Ellis
December 3, 2024
Always trusted anything he said about my cats health.
I started going to his practice when someone recommended him and he was in the small place on Salisbury Road.
I once asked what Abri meant and he told me his wife recommended it as it meant sheltered on a hillside".
I have no doubt you are now in paradise with all your patients where there is no pain, suffering or hunger.
God Speed Dr. Harris.
Jmarshellis
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