John "Johnny" Harris

John "Johnny" Harris, 85, of Evans St., Morganton, NC died Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Grace Hospital after an extended illness. Born in Gaston County, NC on January 25, 1925, he was the son of the late James Harris and Georgia Price Harris. Johnny was a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church and was very active in the building of the church columbarium. He retired from Great Lakes Carbon with over 30 years of service. He was a past president of the N.C. Soil and Water Conservation’s Burke County District and was also an accomplished woodworker.Johnny is survived by his wife of 9 years, Leatrice Taylor Harris of the home; a daughter, Nancy Mull and husband, Ken, of Morganton; a son, Robert Harris; step-sons, Larry Whisnant and wife, Threna, and Randy Whisnant and wife, Arbadella, all of Morganton; a step-daughter, Judy McGhee and husband, Ray, of Morganton; grandchildren, Mary Siniard and Seth Mull; a great-grandchild, Rachel Siniard; seven step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Harris; his second wife, Mary Harris; a daughter, Judy Harris; and brothers, Lac and James Harris.A celebration of Johnny’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Neill Shaw officiating. Entombment will follow in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Dr., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.