Knightdale, NC-- Byron Keith Harris, 68, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023. He was born December 8, 1954, in Franklin County to the late Robert Rudd Harris and Elaine Opal Sykes Harris. He graduated from Frederick Military Academy as a Cadet Lt. Col., and was awarded an academic scholarship to Duke University, where he received a B.S. in Accounting. Byron began his North Carolina state government career with the State Auditor's Office, and then continued in the Governor's Office of State Budget and Management. After 32 years of public service, he retired from the former N.C. Department of Correction, where he oversaw a billion-dollar budget. In 2011, Byron was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his significant contributions to the state of North Carolina and its communities, through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
Byron had a true heart for helping others. Over the course of his life, he donated over 9 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. He participated in PTA leadership at his daughter's schools, and volunteered with the Special Olympics and as a local election official. He served as a Bible Study Fellowship leader for several years, and was active at Bethlehem Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and member of numerous committees.
Byron enjoyed running and golf, but his greatest joy in life was spending time with and loving his family. He will forever be remembered as a kind, funny, and loving man.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Peggie Watkins Harris; daughter, Elizabeth Harris Mocka (Corey); grandchildren, Landon Mocka and Greyson Mocka; brother, Tim Harris (Mary); sisters, Pam Sheeley (Bill) and Annette Barlow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Virginia Harris, and his sister Daphene Brown and her husband Tom Brown.
A service to celebrate Byron's life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 7, 2023, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. A reception to gather with family and friends will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association- Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612.
Condolences to the family may be sent to poolefuneral.com under Tributes.
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