Eugene Preston Harris, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away at the age of 93, with his family by his side, at home in Creedmoor on February 6, 2025. He was the son of Henry and Patty Lou Harris and grew up in the Edgemont neighborhood of Durham, NC. Gene attended Durham Public Schools, graduating from Durham High. He loved to play baseball with his teammates at Durham High and the American Legion. He was handsome, athletic and shy.
Gene met the love of his life, Peggy, in 1949 at the Long Meadow Park pool. She thought he was really cute. Another girl had her eyes for him and actually tried to fight her for his affection. Peggy won Gene over. Originally, they planned to elope to SC with another couple but ended up marrying in the parsonage of their pastor in Durham. They did not have the money for a honeymoon. On their way home to their tiny apartment, they had a fender bender on the frozen roads. It was an inauspicious beginning to an amazing marriage that lasted a few days short of 74 years.
Gene and Peggy started a family of their own a few years later. Their daughter, Pam, was born. Then a couple of years later came their son, Tim. Gene was a great dad, and they were a very happy family. He was always a good father providing, protecting, generous, and selfless in leading and celebrating his family. Church was always important to Gene, making sure his young family fully participated in Angier Avenue Baptist, where he served as a deacon.
Gene worked several jobs in his early years. He was very excited when he was hired as a machinist, assigned as an experimental instrument maker in the Physics Department at Duke University. He was paid $400 a month and joked that he would have signed a contract at that amount for life. Gene loved his co-workers and the challenge of the job. He worked there for almost 40 years before retiring in 1993.
Gene and Peggy were inseparable. They had close friendships through the years including friends from high school, from their East Durham neighborhood, from their church, and their square-dancing friends. Their closest group was known as The Clique, and they built homes next to one another.
In retirement Peggy and Gene traveled several months a year in their camper. They discovered a retirement community in Okeechobee, Florida and after many trips back, in 2001 they decided to relocate there. In Okeechobee they added more friends from all over the world.
Gene always loved sports. He absolutely loved playing baseball, golf, and tennis. He also loved watching his Duke Blue Devils play basketball. Gene and Peggy spent most of the 1970's and 80's square dancing with their friends. While living in Florida Gene would often play golf in the morning, tennis in the afternoon and go line dancing at night.
In 2018, Gene and Peggy moved back to NC and settled down in Creedmoor. They joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where Gene was an active member of the Dan Washburn Sunday School Class. For many years he was recognized as the oldest dad in attendance on Father's Day.
Gene was adored by his grandchildren. He played with them, took them camping, taught them how to do things, and always made sure they knew he loved them and was proud of them.
Gene will always be remembered as a good, kind, honest and decent man who worked hard, played hard, and loved his family. He exemplified what it means to be a good person, husband,
father, grandfather and friend. He leaves an amazing legacy. We will miss him every day. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Howard Harris, Clifton Harris, and Edna Harris Hicks. He is survived by his wife Peggy, his daughter Pam Karriker and son-in-law Dub, his son Tim Harris and his daughter-in-law Theresa, his sister Linda Hagen and his grandchildren Emily Harris, Rick Harris and Marie Quick.
Gene Harris loved well, and he was well loved.
The family will receive friends Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Sossamon Funeral Home of Creedmoor. Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at Sossamon Funeral Home Chapel of Creedmoor. Reverend David Herman will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 136 Roxboro Rd., Oxford, NC 27565.
Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Creedmoor. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.