Wayne Harris Obituary
Wayne Thompson (Tom) Harris, Jr., 85, left his earthly life on February 7, 2026. He is survived by his devoted wife, Molly Barker Harris, with whom he shared 62 joyful years of marriage. He is also survived by his son, Wayne Thompson (Todd) Harris, III; his daughter, Molly Stewart Harris and her husband, Sanford Alonza Cockrell III; his sister, Thanta Cerelda Isenhour; his brothers, Mark Hampton Harris and wife Sandra Jo Martin, and David Randall Harris; his grandchildren, Kenan (Kevin) Demir and wife Kristina Demir of Raleigh, Stephanie Blake Sigmon of Apex, Christopher Corchiani, Jr. and wife Jane Parker Corchiani of Charlotte, Tiger Reid Harris and wife Tori Jeter Harris of Chicago, Thompson Harris Corchiani of Charlotte, Annabelle Stewart Corchiani of New York City, Trinity Rene Harris of Raleigh, Gabriel Hugo Corchiani II of Raleigh; his great-grandchildren, Asya Demir, Bryce Christopher Corchiani, Parker Rose Corchiani, Reis Patrick McCarry and Brooks Elizabeth Corchiani who were all a constant source of his pride and joy. Tom was a graduate of Davidson College, Class of 1962, and the UNC School of Law, Class of 1965. He proudly served his country in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Captain in the United States Army. After beginning his professional career with Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, Tom later became a partner in the law firm of Rogers and Harris in Raleigh. He went on to found Surety Land Title of North Carolina and was a part-owner of DNJ Mortgage of North Carolina. Tom was widely respected for his many years of faithful service as a Sunday School teacher at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, where his steady presence and guidance touched countless lives. He was known as "Coach" to his children, grandchildren and their friends, in youth baseball and basketball, where he led various teams to multiple championships. Tom also had an unwavering support for Davidson athletics, as exhibited by the many acknowledgments and honorariums bestowed upon him. If you were ever looking for Tom, you might have found him on the links at Quail Ridge, Carolina Country Club, the Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC), Blowing Rock Country Club, or enjoying other great courses around the world. Above all, he cherished every minute of his time with Molly, especially their antiquing and shopping while traveling the world. A Memorial Service will be held on March 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. A Reception will be held at the Church immediately following the service to offer condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County, 701 N. Raleigh Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27610; Healing Transitions, 1251 Goode St., Raleigh, NC 27603; White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608; or Blowing Rock Methodist Church, 1314 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
Published by The News & Observer from Mar. 4 to Mar. 8, 2026.