REIDSVILLE — Ronald Keith Harris passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2013. He was born September 15, 1939 to Henry Clyde and Norma Enloe Harris of Asheville, NC.
He graduated from Mars Hill College and Oklahoma Baptist University. He received his teaching certification at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master's degree as an Educational Specialist from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and additional post graduate studies at both universities. He received a National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship for summer study at Dartmouth College.
Ron left a legacy of love to his cherished wife of 48 years; Linda Downey Harris, his daughter Laura Harris Hoffman, husband Scott, and their children, Justin, Joel, Jason, Joshua, Jonathan, Leya, and Joseph; his son Ronald Keith Harris, Jr., wife Emily, and their children, Ehver and Elijah. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Ron was dedicated to education. He began his teaching career in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Kiser Junior High School in Greensboro. He served as a management consultant at the Baptist Sunday School Board in Tennessee before coming to Rockingham County to begin his career as a school principal. He served at Monroeton, Central Office, Wentworth (K-12) and Lincoln Schools, returning to Monroeton and retiring in 1999. He and Linda loved their life in Reidsville and Rockingham County.
Ron served First Baptist Church of Reidsville faithfully as Deacon (chairman), choir member, Sunday school teacher and on various committees. Ron was an avid reader and enjoyed meeting monthly for 40 years with good friends in The Book Club. He completed 28 marathons including Boston, and hiked the Appalachian Trail. He was a skilled golfer, making three holes in one. He played tennis as well, competing in the NC Senior Games. His love of music included singing and playing several musical instruments. He and Linda enjoyed trips to Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, and the Caribbean, as well as to Alaska, to help build a church.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church on Thursday, January 31 at 11 a.m. Visitation is Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. until to 8 p.m. at Citty Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund or the Rockingham County Partnership for Children.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.cittyfh.com
