Major George Hampton Harris, USAF, 91, of Seneca, South Carolina, died Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca, from complications of the Covid-19 virus.
Born September 14, 1929, in Richwood, he was a son of the late Virgil B. Harris, Sr. and Macel Keener Harris.
He married Martha Ellen Watson Harris January 25, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Keyser.
He retired from the United States Air Force, April 1979, after serving 26 years, which included service in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Major Harris’ service honors included The Bronze Star, The Meritorious Award, the Joint Service Commendation Award, and the Air Force Commendation Medal-W/1.
As a civilian, he taught school in St. Marys, 1954 to 1959; Stuart, Florida, 1959-1960; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 1960-62; and Montgom- ery, Alabama, 1979-1990. While teaching in Ft. Lauderdale, and serving in the reserve armed forces, Major Harris was called back to active duty during the Cuban Crisis.
Major Harris was a member of the University Lutheran Church in Clemson, South Carolina, the Masonic Lodge Number 41, St. Marys, (55 years), Alcazar Shriner Number Temple and the Order of the Eastern Star of Montgomery, Alabama, the American Legion of Berryville, Virginia, the Airstream Club (48 years), and the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, WVU, Morgantown. He graduated from WVU in 1952 with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Agriculture-Science.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Virgil B. Harris, Virginia A. Smith and John F. Harris; a sister-in-law, Diane Harris; and brothers-in-law, Harry M. Smith and Joseph Palmer.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Nancy Ann Harris, and son-in-law, Jose R. Caban, of Seneca, South Carolina; a sister, Nancy Jean Palmer, of Midland, Michigan; sister-in-law, Karen Harris, of Bluemont, Virginia; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, February 4, 2021, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale.
Graveside service will be held at noon, Thursday, February 4, 2021, at Arbovale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com