Joe Neal Harris

Joe was born in Martin, TN to the late Edgar and Elfreda Harris on August 26, 1939. His family moved to Michigan where he attended Alma College and spent time studying at the University of Michigan. He enjoyed basketball, football, and handicapping the horses. He always pulled for the longshot.

While in high school Joe met Twana and they were married on April 23, 1958. Joe and Twana enjoyed 49 and a half, happy years of marriage together. Throughout their union they loved, supported, and encouraged one another as they established a set of shared goals. Together, their core Christian values, love for all of humankind, desire to make a positive difference in their community and their desire to better themselves, Joe and Twana worked diligently toward accomplishing success in business matters, building a home filled with love and they did all the things necessary to build a strong foundation to raise their three children. They took pride in their work, consistently contributed to keeping their family strong, loving and united. In 2008, Twana passed away, leaving Joe widowed. Through his grief in losing his dear Twana, he worked even more diligently than before to ensure the well-being of his family.

Joe served in the United States Air Force. After his time in the service he worked in the restaurant business. He started out at the bottom and worked his way up through many roles. He began working at Burger Chef in Michigan and he was promoted to manager. Joe spent time working for Long John Silvers as Vice President and residing in Pittsburgh, PA after starting his time in the restaurant business with Burger Chef in Michigan. Then, he decided to take a chance and joined the Western Restaurants partnership to open his own franchise of restaurants. He opened five Wendy’s restaurants in the Radford/ Blacksburg area. This endeavor is what brought Joe to Waynesboro, and it brought the first Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers to our area, in Staunton, VA. He had a strong work ethic and a keen business sense. He quickly grew his company store by store. He helped his daughter, Stacy, and son, Brad, build their own restaurant business. He has experienced many successes because of his hard work, determination, positive attitude and excellent leadership skills.

Joe was a humble man and often said, “I am just plain, old Joe..” He was never one to toot his own horn. Instead he said, “Luck counts, I guess I have been lucky.” He was always ready to help those in need without casting judgment. His Christian upbringing and his generous nature compelled him to be friendly to all, no matter where they were from, what they believed in, or what they did for a living. Joe chose to see the good in everyone and was always willing to help those in need. He received so much joy from giving to others and he held the honorable work of The Salvation Army, The Valley Mission, and The Boys and Girls Club near and dear to his heart. The Joe and Twana Foundation was established to carry on Joe and Twana’s charitable work, and well beyond their death.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. Bob Harris and Tom Harris; and by the love of his life, Twana Harris.

Joe Harris is survived by his eldest daughter, Stacy Aynn Harris and her partner, Paul Smalser, his second child, Shannon Shuey and her partner, Harry Thomas Harlow, and his son, Brad and his wife, Ashley Harris. His sister, Deborah Leonard, is survived by him and she resides in Michigan. Lastly, Joe Harris is survived by his three grandchildren, Ryan Harris, Annikah Harris and Skye Shuey.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes on Friday, October 21st at 1:00PM with Pastor Billy Coffey officiating. Burial will follow at Augusta Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Brad Harris, Ryan Harris, Harry Thomas Harlow, Paul Smalser, Tom Shaefer, Bob Parsons, Glenn Painter and Don Ash. Honorary Pallbearers are Anthony Johnson, David Graham (Duffy), Ron Turner, Chris and Eric Berry, and Mike Parks.

Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or the Valley Mission in Staunton in lieu of flowers.

The family of Joe Harris wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Sharon Berry for the loving care and support she gave our father over the past eight years; Tom Shaefer for his help in coordinating services and taking our father to many doctor appointments over the last several weeks; Allison and the caring team from Medi Home Hospice; Dr. Garcia, Dr. Eschenellous, and all the skilled doctors, and nurses in the cardiology and oncology departments at both UVA and Augusta Health, along with the Palliative Care Team at Augusta Health for their work involved in the care of our father; Alex Arbaugh for providing music at the service; Marlena Lancaster from Bookkeeping and Management Systems and Whitney Jackson Levin for their counsel and service. We would like to express our appreciation to the administration of Waynesboro City Public Schools ( Dr. Ryan Barber, Assistant Superintendent of Waynesboro Public Schools, Dr. Sharon Barker (Principal William Perry Elementary) and Mr. John Helbert (Assistant Principal WPES) for granting a leave of absence to Shannon Shuey during this significant time to help care for our father.

Joe loved his relationship with the Lord and he thoroughly enjoyed Sunday sermons given outside at Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church. His relationship with the Lord was special to him and if he had a challenge he always prayed upon it. His last days his body endured many challenges, his faith remained strong. He fought the good fight. He won the race. He kept the faith. He will “hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has Called him.”