Joseph Neal "Poppi" Harris Sr.

Joseph Neal Harris, Sr., 92, of Solomons passed away May 24, 2025. Known to his family as Poppi, Joe was born December 5, 1932, in Raleigh, NC to Everett William, Sr. and Grace (Baker) Harris. Joe was raised in D.C. and graduated from Eastern High School. He served 16 years in the Navy before being discharged in 1967 and then served an additional six years in the Reserves. He worked as a mechanic for Metro for many years, retiring in March 1997. He was the oldest active member of Emmanuel Church, where he served as a Deacon and volunteered in the nursery during services. He was the former Mayor of Landover Hills, MD. Joe enjoyed staying active. He was an avid bicyclist and rode his bike into his late 80's. He participated in the annual Multiple Sclerosis Fundraiser every year, riding 150 miles in a weekend. Joe was also an active volunteer with the Red Cross, donating blood every three months from 1950 until he turned 90. He enjoyed model trains and birds and loved being around kids.

Joe is survived by his wife Linda Mary Harris and children Mary Jo Bevard and husband Bruce, Sr. of Huntingtown, Vicki Ball and husband Brian of Huntingtown, Janet Lumpkins and wife Sharon of Manassas, VA, Kathy Bevard of Accokeek, and Joseph Harris, Jr. of Chesapeake Beach. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews from his siblings and also from his marriage to Linda.. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Robey Harris, siblings Vivian, William and Thomas and a son-in-law Carl Bevard, Sr.