Obituary of Edwin Reid Harris

Edwin R. Harris, Ph.D., died on December 13, 2023 at home surrounded by family. He was born November 24, 1924 in New Haven, CT, son of Norman and Elizabeth Harris. He and Mildred Salyer were married in 1954. Family members are: wife Mildred, son Reid Harris (Sherry Morris), son Greg Harris, and granddaughter Gina Harris. Harris was a graduate of West Haven High School (CT), Yale University, and Purdue University. He was awarded the Ph.D. degree from Purdue in 1959. He was Acting-Administrative Director of the Mecklenburg County Mental Health Clinic during its transition to a Mental Health Center in the late 1960’s. Later he practiced with Charlotte Psychiatric Associates, specializing in psychological assessment until his retirement. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve 1942-1945 as a pilot, interrupting his Yale education by serving in World War II (Class of 1945W). His special interests were nature photography, dark room work, and land management, improvement, and conservation. At his request, his ashes will be placed in flowing/moving water by his family. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in his beloved Little Switzerland in the North Carolina mountains. Online condolences can be made at HankinsandWhittington.com