Obituary of David Harris

Mr. Harris, 91, of Charlotte, NC passed away late Sunday evening, August 19, 2012. He was born December 18, 1920, in Raleigh, NC, son of the late Russell Peyton Harris, Sr. and Estelle Wiggs Harris. David?s early years were spent in Chapel Hill, NC and subsequently Gibson, NC, where he graduated from high school in 1937. He graduated from Mars Hill Junior College in 1939 and earned both BS and Master?s degrees from NC State University in 1942 and 1944 respectively. He married Margaret Cornell (Connie) Brunt, his college sweetheart in the First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC in 1945. After their marriage they live in San Diego, CA, where David was stationed with the US Army Signal Corp in the Education and Information Division. In 1946, following WWII, he and his wife came to Charlotte. He founded his company, Harris-Crane, Inc., a commodities brokerage firm where he was owner, president, CEO and chairman of the board. He retired in 2004. David received much recognition and many honors in his profession, including the highest honor, Hall of Fame of the NC Poultry Federation for his loyal and distinguished service and dedication. While at NC State University he was a member of the honorary fraternity Alpha Zeta and president of the student NC State Legislature for two years, 1941 thru 1942. He was also listed in Who?s Who in American Universities and Colleges in 1941 and 1942 at NCSU. He was a member of the NCSU champion debate team and won many national awards including a champion award in 1942 in Portland, OR where he personally won national first place in extemporaneous speaking. David participated in numerous civic, educational and church activities in Charlotte. He was president of the Charlotte Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1950 and served on the board of the National Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1951 and 1952. He received the Charlotte Young Man of the Year Award in 1950. He was a former member of the Rotary Club of Charlotte. Mr. Harris served on the Charlotte/Mecklenburg School Board for Ten years and served as chairman for the last five years of his tenure. During his time on the board the Charlotte City Schools and Mecklenburg County Schools systems were consolidated and all schools were integrated. David was a loyal supporter of his alma maters. He was on the Board of Visitors and the Board of Trustees of Mars Hill College. He was a three term Director of NCSU Foundation, INC and Director of NCSU Agricultural Foundation, Inc. He received honor and recognition as a substantial supporter of NCSU and the Jane S. McKimmon Center in 1984. He was a member of the R. Stanhope Pullen Society, an alumni society for substantial contributors to NCSU. Mr. Harris was active in his church. While a member at St. John?s Baptist Church he was superintendent of the young adult department. He was a member of Myers Park Baptist Church for 54 years and served on the Board of Deacons there for many years. He was a member of Myers Park Country Club for 59 years and served as president in 1983. An avid golfer, he played at Myers Park Country Club and the Country Club of NC, Pinehurst, NC, where he was a long time member. During his retirement years, fellowship with his many friends at Myers Park Club was a very enjoyable part of his life. David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Connie; his children, Connie B. Harris and David W. Harris, Jr. and wife, Angela all of Charlotte, NC and Dr. John Thomas Harris of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Meghan Harris, Abigail Margaret Harris, Gabrielle Lynn, Joshua David Harris and Destiny Joy Harris; sister-in-law, Jacklyn Brunt of Philadelphia, PA; brother-in-law, James Waldrip of Fredericksburg, TX and numerous nieces and nephews, including James Watkins, Charles E. Watkins, Dr. Russell Harris, Ruth Barber, and Mary Carol Ard. In addition to his parents David was preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. Russell Peyton Harris and the Rev. Robert Lawson Harris; sisters, Frances Watkins, Janet Waldrip and Rachel Ehler.