Gary Lee Harris

Gary Lee Harris, a lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his son’s home in Cambridge, Maryland. He was surrounded by his loving children. He was 86 years old.

Born in Easton, Maryland, on July 15, 1938, Gary was the son of the late Wilbur and Florence Harris. He was the third of ten children and was raised in a tight-knit and hardworking family. Gary attended Kennard High School in Centreville, Maryland.

After working as a farmhand in his early years, Gary was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably during the Vietnam era in radio communications. His time in the military instilled in him a strong work ethic and deep sense of duty that he carried with him throughout his life. He was a proud Lifetime Member of American Legion Post 77, where he found camaraderie, fellowship, and a continued connection to those who served.

In 1970, Gary began his trucking career hauling grain for Norris Harrison. Five years later, he joined Preston Trucking Company, where he worked faithfully for 25 years. During his time there, he earned the esteemed recognition of being inducted into the Million Miler Club for his safe and dedicated driving. He retired from Preston in 1999, but retirement didn’t slow him down. Always on the move, Gary continued to drive trucks for a friend’s farm, doing what he loved well into his later years.

When he wasn’t behind the wheel, Gary could often be found in his barn tinkering with tractors or tending to his garden, sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoyed fishing, and cherished the chance to sit and reminisce about the “good old days.”

Above all, Gary was a family man. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, and he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.

Gary is survived by his children: Gary Lewis of Camden, DE; Everett Harris (Rhonda), and Karen Harris-Smith (Bruce), both of Cambridge, MD; Marieca Harris of Trappe, MD; and Brittany Harrison (Beau) of Easton, MD, Dwayne Elms of Easton, MD, ten grandchildren; Gary Jr., Phillip, Gayle, Travis, Kacee, Jordan (Brittany), Tony, Teara, Chadnee, and Zoe, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, siblings Barbara Green, Theodore "Teddy" Harris (Diane), Constance "Connie" Young (Paul), Dwight "Harry" Harris (Cassandra), Rodney Williams (Claire) and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Brooklyn, Kenneth, Stewart, and Hayward, grandson, Justin Lewis, first wife, Mabel V. Skinner-Harris, daughter, Shelly Harris; and beloved wife of thirty-six years, Mary E. Harris, who passed away on October 4, 2024.

Gary Lee Harris leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, and love—a life well-lived and deeply cherished by all who knew him.

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