Arthur E. “Dud” Harris, 77, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 24, 2014, following an extended illness.
He was a native of Newburyport, Mass., but had lived in Johnson City, Tenn., for the last 50 years with the exception of six years where he and his wife, Helen, were cottage parents at South Mountain Children’s Home in Nebo, N.C.
Arthur retired from Snap-on Tools in Elizabethton, Tenn., where he worked as a machinist and CNC operator.
Arthur was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved camping. Many stories from his friends include him introducing and teaching them these outdoor sports. He loved the East Tennessee mountains and lakes. If he really liked you he would let you net his fish!
Although he had no children of his own, his nieces, nephews and many of the children from South Mountain Children’s Home considered him their second Dad and loved him dearly. To his grand nephew, Brody, he was just “Gampaw.”
Arthur and the love of his life, Helen Langford Harris, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their devotion to each other led others to want a “Helen and Dud” kind of love.
He loved his country and served two terms in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.
Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Harris and Josie Fowler Edwards, and three siblings, Junior Harris, Doran and Bill Pressinell.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Langford Harris, and his special niece, Lisa Taylor Wilson, of Johnson City; and six half siblings, Mary, Irene and Neal Foley, Glen Pressinell, Norma and Johnny Edwards. Other family members he loved include the families of Jerry and Pat Taylor, Bobby and Beth Busler, Larry and Angie Langford, and the late Eddie Langford.
Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be conducted at noon Saturday, November 29, in the chapel of Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Case officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will follow at Washington County Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Darrell Case, Bobby and Rob Busler, Larry Langford, Dustin Jones, Josh Austin, Terry Blevins and E.J. Blevins. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Taylor, Colin Walls, Tom White, Dr. Arthur S. Harris, Chuck Demar and Jonathan Blevins. Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com.
Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 928-2245, is serving the Harris family.