Rev. Arthur Lee Harris
Rev. Arthur Lee Harris, age 79, of Danville, VA, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at SOVAH Health, Danville. Rev. Harris was born in Eden, NC on July 7, 1945, to the late Betty Lou Matthews Harris and the late Rev. John Cunningham Harris. He married his loving wife Judith Elaine Patrick Harris on July 17, 1964, in Bluefield, VA and his marriage lasted for 60 years, Mrs. Harris still survives, of the residence.
Rev. Harris was a man who served his country in the U.S. Army for three years, and then served God as a Pastor for over 50 years. While a Pastor, he was very often a counselor and comforter to those in need. Because of his love and compassion for other people, as well as his love of the Lord, Rev. Harris would often sacrifice his personal time to meet with those in need, no matter the time or distance. Countless non-believers were led to a personal relationship with the Lord due to his time spent with them and his love of others. He was a mentor to those with a desire to enter the ministry. He earned a Doctorate Degree in Theology and was an ordained Bishop in the Church of God, as well as a District Overseer. He also sat on a board that selected aspiring ministers of the Church of God. Outside his life as a pastor, Rev. Harris enjoyed fishing, and golfing with family members. He liked to take his wife shopping and watching John Wayne westerns and he found comfort and pleasure in studying the Bible. Rev. Harris was never without the presence of his little “son”, Jingle Bells.
As the last of 15 children, he saw the loss of his parents and many brothers and sisters over the years. Left now to cherish his memory are three daughters, Melissa Harris Collier (Randall) of Stuarts Draft, VA, Judith Michelle Smiley (Michael) of Warrenton VA, and Tonya Renae Smiley (Mark) of Prince George, VA) and his eight grandchildren, Brandon Mitchell (Cristen), Ryan Mitchell (Emily), Sydney Conner, Wesley Heflin, Jordyn Mitchell, Ashley Heflin, Alivia Conner, and Sheldon Smiley. He will also be missed by his four great-grandchildren, Skylar Mitchell, Anna Mitchell, June Derksen, and Leighann Barnes “Mitchell”. Additional survivors include sisters-in-law Mary “Pat” Harris and Rita Sutley and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to attend a family visitation Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Central Blvd. Church of God, Danville. At other times, the family will receive friends at the home.
A funeral service will take place at Central Blvd. Church of God on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor John Meadows, Rev. David Hagee, and Rev. Travis Gore. Following the funeral service, interment will take place at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
