John Ivey Harris Sr.

John Ivey Harris Sr. of Cary, North Carolina, passed away on August 28, 2024, at the age of 85, but his enthusiasm for life will not be forgotten. He was born June 10, 1939, the only child of John Lyman and Reba Bullock Harris. John was proud about growing up on a tobacco farm with deep roots in Greenville, NC, with a passion for faith, family, and country.
At the age of 20, broken hearted with the early death of his mother, John joined the United States Air Force with tours at Mountain Home in Idaho and Guam as the Vietnam War was heating up. Twelve years ago, he began to re-connect with his Air Force buddies that he served with. After locating about ten of them from all over the United States, they committed to getting together every year for a reunion on the Snake River in Idaho, fishing and sharing war stories.
Returning to Pitt County after the service, John met Jean at East Carolina University. Not only did they become partners in marriage, but they also became partners in business opening Harris Realty Company in 1972 and later JH Construction. After moving to the Triangle in 1986, they enjoyed 26 years with Re/Max United in Cary, NC. John was a hardworking, outgoing man and never met a stranger. He loved airplanes, flying to the Outer Banks, and volunteering for the Kinston and Raleigh Civil Air Patrols. His favorite car was a Jaguar, and he spent many hours washing and waxing them.
John loved the Lord, and he was not shy in sharing his faith. The Men's Bible Study Fellowship at Apex Baptist Church was important to his growth. He belonged to and served at several different churches over the years.
John also deeply loved his family. John is survived by his loving wife, Jean Teal Harris; two sons John Ivey Harris Jr. (Patti) of Acworth, Georgia and Michael Craig Harris (Kimberly) of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter Christy Louise Harris (Lawrence) of Honolulu, Hawaii; five grandchildren, Courtney Long (Andrew), Jackson Harris, Chloelle O'Toole, Wyatt Harris, Graham Harris; five great grandchildren, Anastasia, Arthur, Louie, Catalina and Haley Long; sister in law, Ann Teal Walker; sister in law, Linda Kaye Teal.
The graveside service with Military Funeral Honors will take place Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Wake Memorial Park, Veterans Garden of Honor, 7002 Green Hope School Road, Cary NC 27519.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11:00 am at Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh Street, Cary, NC 27513.Memorial donations may be made to Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh Street, Cary, NC 27513.