Rev. Robert Montgomery Harris, 87, of Hiddenite, N.C., passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at his home.
Rev. Harris was born July 25, 1933, in Alexander County and was the son of the late Lola Arrington Harris and Eva Lackey Harris. He attended Central High School and graduated from Pembroke College. On May 26, 1956, he married Joyce Hammer Harris, who survives. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 20, 1952 until July 28, 1955, during the Korean Conflict.
Robert was Pastor in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church from 1963-1985. He became a Conference Evangelist in 1985, preaching across the U.S. and the world. In June 1985, he became an Evangelist with George Phillips Evangelist Association, where he served 3½ years and continued on his board of directors. In the fall of 1988, the Robert Harris Ministries was formed where he preached in camp meetings or revival services totaling approximately 500 services. He held many one-day services for which no records have been kept. He also went on 50 mission trips in over 15 countries.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, Rev. Harris is survived by five children, Cindy Summers, Robin Hill (Nathan), Robert Harris, Jr., Amelia Harris, and Jonathan Harris; three grandchildren, Kara Steele (Adam), Garrett Summers (Chelsea), and Meredith Hill; three great grandchildren, Baylee and Bryson Steele and one on the way along with one sister, Shirley Moore.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, James Harris, Fred Harris, and Tom Harris; one sister, Katherine Lambert; and one son-in-law, Lindsey Summers.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 2, 2020, at Pisgah UMC with Rev. Mike Duncan, Dr. Ben Reyes, Rev. Don Farris and Rev. Bob Swaim officiating. Rev. Harris will lie in state in the church family life center on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors.
The family would like to thank the special caregivers that have helped us with dad’s care; Dino Sanchez, Sherrie’s In-Home Care and Hospice and Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, along with his dear friend, Jim Sloan, for making Rev. Harris’s casket. Also, thanks to the Board of Directors at the Robert Harris Ministries as well as everyone who has supported Bob’s ministries throughout the years.
Memorials may be made Pisgah UMC Building Fund, 488 Hill Farm Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.