Mr. C. Ray Harris

C. Ray Harris went to be with his Father God and Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, on April 23, 2025. Born in Columbia, Tennessee, Ray received an engineering degree and a Commission as a Second Lieutenant from Auburn University. After active duty, he was employed with the DuPont Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee as a research engineer. During his tenure with DuPont, he lived in a number of places, raising his girls in SC while at the Camden DuPont Plant, ultimately making Columbia, SC his home. He retired after 38 years of service as a global manager specializing in distribution safety, occupational health, environmental and security issues. He also served as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health, University of South Carolina. Ray was very active in community and professional organizations. He received the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto from Governor Carol Campbell and the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He was appointed by the Department of Defense to serve as Chairman of the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserves for the State of South Carolina. He served as DuPont’s Executive on Loan for the United Way, was President and on the Safety Committee for the SC State Chamber of Commerce, and worked with the Jamil Shrine and the SC Industry Safety Council. He was designated Aid De Camp for the Governor of Tennessee and named a Kentucky Colonel by the State of Kentucky. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Adrian Conner Harris and Nettie Lorine Adams Harris, his brother, Adrian A. Harris and nephew, Adrian P. Harris. Ray is survived by his wife, Michelle C. Harris, the love of his life and three daughters: Natalie Harkey (Lynn) Bluffton, SC, Melissa Allen Foster (Michael) Savannah, GA, and Tina McDonald (Chris) Mt. Pleasant, SC.; two grandchildren Ellis A. Allen, II (Haley) and Madison McDonald as well as one great grandson, Ellis A. Allen, III. and niece, Cindy Harris. For those who knew and loved Ray, he will always be remembered for his sharp sense of style, gracious demeanor and piercing blue eyes. Although he enjoyed many activities in his younger years, and traveling with his family whenever he could (Israel being one of his favorite destinations), Ray’s love of God and acceptance of Jesus Christ was his main priority in life. He taught Adult Sunday School for more than 50 years in churches wherever he lived. He was a faithful servant, and believed in the responsibility of strong stewardship which he demonstrated through his participation on many Church boards and committees, including serving as an usher whenever he was needed. He said his greatest joy will be to spend eternity in the presence of the Almighty Father God and the Lord Jesus Christ. We know he is home and share in the acclamation of Matthew 24:23. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Ray will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, near and far. The funeral service for Mr. Harris will be held at 12:30 o’clock, Friday, May 2nd, at Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive guests prior to the service in the church atrium beginning at 11:30 o’clock. A private burial with military honors will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to Northeast Presbyterian Church (Living Streams) 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

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Mr. C. Ray Harris

July 6, 1938 - April 23, 2025