John Mace Harris Jr., 96

Published 11:15 am Thursday, September 11, 2014

SEPTEMBER 11 — John Mace Harris Jr., 96, of Farmville, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2014. He was born July 9, 1918 to the late John Mace Harris Sr. and Mary Overton Harris in Virginia.

He was proud to serve his country in the US Army during WWII and worked as a retail salesman until he retired. His favorite pastime was working in his garden and sharing his bounty with friends and family. He was a “True Southern Gentleman” who believed his handshake was his bond.

Mr. Harris was married to the love of his life, Vanessa Perkins Harris, and raised three daughters.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Katherine Tassell (Richard) and Gayle Hott (Hoye); eight grandchildren, Dana, Paul, Ryan, Jennifer, Christopher, Stuart, Damien, and Jacob and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister, his wife, Vanessa, a daughter, Vanessa Dale Stokes and a grandchild, Patrick.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 14 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Puckett Funeral Home. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery, Farmville.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com