James C. "Pete" Harris

November 17, 1944 - September 12, 2018

James C. “Pete” Harris, 73, of Mendota, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Chilhowie, Virginia, a son of the late Lee and Annie Louise Smith Harris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Jean Wadsworth, Betty Hutton and Brenda Mills; and three brothers, Billy, Benny and Dennis Harris. Pete was an avid farmer. Loved working with his cattle, being outdoors and taking care of the people around him. He enjoyed Nascar, driving his own race car when he was young, boating, hunting, fishing and anything that found him spending time with his family. He enjoyed serving as a volunteer fireman with the Marion Fire Department prior to moving to Mendota. He was an active member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church where he met many of his close friends in Mendota. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Harris; his loving daughter, Stephanie Harris Currie and husband David; three granddaughters who were his pride and joy, Emma, Ellie and Evie Currie; six brothers, Graham Harris (Darcus), Don Harris (Peggy), Dexter Harris (Mavis), Darrell Harris (Lora), Bo Harris (Francis), and Ronnie Harris (Michelle); two sisters, Joyce Sword (Ronnie) and Tammy McGrady (Dennis); very special sister-in-law, Marie Ashby and husband Donald; sister-in-law, Charlotte Harris; special friends, Warren and Karen Ford; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 6134 Walnut Grove Road, Mendota, VA. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6:00 PM with Rev. Carl Young officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall Fund, 6134 Walnut Grove Road, Mendota, VA 24270. The family would like to extend special thanks to Bobby and Mary Brummit, their church family, doctors and staff at BRMC, Dr. Shao, Dr. Brockmyere, and Dr. S. Goodman of Vanderbilt. Much love and appreciation for Dr. Sath, Darrin, Nancy and Betsy for all their love and care shown to Pete. Arrangements especially for Mr. Harris and his family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory.