Norman E. Harris Sr.

Norman Eugene Harris Sr., affectionately known as “Pete” was born May 21, 1926 in David-son, North Carolina to the late Mary Harris Campbell. He became absent from the body onMonday, November 11, 2019.During his early years, he resided in Kannapolis, NC with his grandparents. At the age of 13,Norman moved to Charlotte, NC and attended Second Ward High School. There he was amember of the State Champion Relay Team. In 1945, Norman was set to break the color lineat Drake University on a track scholarship, but was drafted into WWII three weeks prior to hishigh school graduation.He served in the United States Naval Corp. Norman received an hon-orable discharge from the Navy after his tour of duty in the Philippines. Norman was able toreturn home and complete his high school education, receiving his diploma in 1949. In the mid 1950’s, Norman joined New Emmanuel United Church of Christ. Without hesitation,he served and devoted time to his church as a faithful member of the Senior Choir, and Sunday School.Norman met and married the love of his life Janie Fair Harris. They were joined inholy matrimony November 12, 1955. He was a loving husband who loved his wife as God lovedthe church. From this union, three children were born. He remained a dedicated husband andfather until the end. Norman was a man of “First”. He was the first African American to work for Charlotte’sTelegram Service in 1942. He was the first African American to work as a Shipping Clerk for Singer Sewing Machine Company in 1954. During his 21 year tenure at Singer Sewing Company, he only missed 5 days and was proud of it. He retired as one of the first black mechanics in the southern locations of Singer Sewing Machine Company. Norman was also one of the first black Parent Teacher Association board members at Double Oaks Elementary. He was the first black Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President at Spaugh Junior High School. Mr Norman Harris was preceded in death by a wife of 62 years, Janie Fair Harris. He has left to cherish fond memories, two sons, Norman E Harris, Jr. (Stephanie), Kevin D. Harris(Carmen), both of Charlotte, NC; one daughter, Tynetta M. Harris (James Tyson) Monroe NC;Ten grandchildren, Tameka Burno, Carlos Harris, LaToya Harris, Kevin J. Harris, Anthony Lamar White, Elyse Harris, Nigel Harris, Janie Roseborough, Jaymen Flowers and Christopher Tyson; eight great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Lee Bost, Kannapolis NC; one aunt, JessieWatson, Winston Salem, NC; one sister-in-law, Wilma Fair of Atlanta, GA; one goddaughter,Ave Burno, Charlotte, NC and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.A Celebration Of Life will be Saturday, November 16, 2019 at New Emmanuel Congregational United Church of God, 3546 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC. Quiet Hour begins at 11am;Service is at Noon.