John "Pete" Lester Harris

John Lester “Pete” Harris, 88, of Phenix City, AL passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2015 in the comfort of his home.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 noon EDT on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City with Pastor Robert Goodman officiating.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Pete was born November 2, 1926 in Phenix City, AL to the late Johnnie L. Harris and Sarah Brown Harris.  He worked 38 years at Southern Bell and upon his retirement with TSYS for two years.  Pete was a long time member of Summerville Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, taught Sunday School, RA’s, and Training Union.  He served our country as a WWII Veteran in the United States Army Air Borne; the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Maritime Service.  Pete attended Central High School playing football, baseball, and basketball and was a member of the 1945 All Star Football team.  He enjoyed fishing, skating, swimming, and playing the role of Santa Claus every Christmas.  Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Harris.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Gladys “Laree” Smith Harris of Phenix City, AL; one daughter, Cynthia E. “Cindy” Harris of Phenix City, AL, one son, John Daniel “Dan” Harris and wife Marie of Lakeland, FL; a sister, Betty Harris of Goldsboro, NC, sister-in-law, Jean Harris of Flowery Branch, GA, and brother-in-law, Joel Smith of Phenix City, AL; three grandchildren, Trevor Austin, Adam Christopher Harris, and Lauren Marie Harris, his beloved pet grand dogs, Bella, and Lexie, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to Summerville Baptist Church Building Fund.