Allen Howell Harris Jr.

“Buck”

Buck Harris, of Charlotte, NC, loved by countless friends and family members, died December 26, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Buck was born on December 5, 1931 to Allen Howell Harris, Sr. and LaNelle Gudger Harris and raised in Cabarrus County, N.C.

He attended W.R. Odell School from 1st through 12th grades and graduated in 1949. Buck went on to N.C. State University, graduating in 1954 with a degree in food science. He then served two years in the army in Soulac-Sur-Mer, France, rising to First Lieutenant/Quarter Master Core, after which he began his career as a manufacturer’s representative in the food industry. He founded and operated Buck Harris Brokers and worked there until retiring in 1999.

Buck never met a stranger; his wit and larger-than-life personality did not allow that. His wife Myra planned a surprise 50th birthday party for him and the invitation read, “Buck’s packed a lot of living into his first 50 years. That’s no secret, but the party is…” This sentiment continued to be true until Buck’s death.

Buck is survived by his wife of 48 years, Myra Wolfe Harris, originally from Asheville, NC; daughter, Myra Grey Harris Schouboe Lopeman and son-in-law, Charles Theodore Lopeman of Cora, WY; daughter, Susan Armour Harris Milkey and son-in-law, Scott Alan Milkey of Charlotte; and grandchildren, Charles Reid Schouboe, Richard Grey “Buck” Schouboe, Charles Samuel Lopeman, Edward Harris Milkey, Carter Allen Milkey and Holden Howell Milkey.

Buck adored his children and grandchildren, and the feeling was mutual, as evidenced by the fact that the majority of his grandsons got one of their names from Buck. Buck enjoyed attending his grandsons’ ball games, watching them ride horses, hearing about their hunting and fishing expeditions and watching them grow.

Buck loved golf and was an avid golfer. He was a longtime member of Cowan’s Ford Country Club at Lake Norman. He instilled the love of the game in all of his grandsons and enjoyed hitting balls with them.

Additional survivors include Buck’s sisters, Jeanne Harris Allen (Concord, N.C.), Mary Margaret Cleveland (Charlotte) and Patricia Anne Rankin and her husband, Franklin Alexander Rankin (Concord). Additional survivors include nieces and nephews, Jeannie Ezell, Mark Allen, Meredith Allen, David Allen, Alex Rankin and Anne Rankin.

Buck was predeceased by two brothers-in-law, Thomas Cleveland and Blake Houston Allen, both of Concord, and nephew, Philip Allen, also of Concord.

A longtime member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, he gave of his time to the church’s Stephens Ministry. His career involved a significant amount of travel, but when he was home, he also donated his time to Charlotte’s Loaves and Fishes.

Buck had a lifelong love of the beach in general and Wrightsville Beach, NC in particular. He and his wife and family spent as much time as possible at Wrightsville and Wilmington during the summer, as well as the off-season. They enjoyed the relaxed lifestyle and the numerous friends they had there.

The celebration of Buck’s life is planned for Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, with a reception immediately following in the church’s fellowship hall.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (contact information below) and earmarked for research, or to Myers Park Presbyterian Church (contact information below). Buck’s family greatly appreciates any contributions made in his memory.

Alzheimer’s Association, For Research; Alzheimer’s Association Chapter Headquarters, Western Carolina, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220; 704-532-7390, or to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207; 704-376-3695.