Frank E. “Buddy” Harris, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
January 4, 1930 – February 22, 2017

FRANK E. HARRIS, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA…

Frank “Buddy” Harris, 87, husband of Mary Louise (Rodgers) Harris, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 22, 2017, in Sentara Princess Anne Hospital.

Frank was born January 4, 1930, in Raphine, Virginia a son of the late Frank N. Harris and Lena Ramsey Harris Steele.

After graduating from Spotswood High School, he attended Dunsmore Business School for a short time, got mad and went to join the Navy. The recruiters were out to lunch so he joined the Air Force instead. He spent 26 years in the United States Air Force holding all ranks from Airman to Lt. Col. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and married Mary Louise Rodgers in 1955.

In 1974, after living in more than 22 homes around the world, Frank and Mary Lou retired in Ogden, Utah where they worked together selling real estate. Frank and Mary Lou returned to Virginia in 1985 and settled in Stuarts Draft to be near family. They spent many years travelling and visiting friends in their motor home. Winters were spent in Lake Okeechobee, Florida where Frank loved to fish and visit with friends. In 2012 they moved to Virginia Beach to be near their son.

Frank was a member of Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife Mary Louise (Rodgers) Harris, son, Frank Harris II and wife Marilyn of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren, Stephen Thomas Harris (fiancé Shannon Wilson), Angela Hitomi Harris, and Charles Alexander Harris, brother Lyndon “Buck” Harris, sister Margaret Harris Whitmer; grand dogs Daphne and Gracie and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, February 27, 2017, in the Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church Cemetery by The Rev. Patrick Rodgers.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mt Carmel Presbyterian Church at PO Box 8 Steels Tavern Val, 24476, to a charity of your choice.

February 26, 2017
Rest in peace friend I will always remember our friendship and the good conversations we had when you would come into Lowe’s may GOD bless your family and may they remember the good times.I remember the first time we met back in the 80’s and how considerate you was ;I think that was what meant the most to me,now that GOD has given you real wings may you watch over your family and keep them safe and for the rest of us who thought so much of you just keep us on the straight and narrow and one day we will meet again.
~
TOM PAINTER, WAYNESBORO, VA

February 25, 2017
Buck, My Thoughts & PRAYERS Are With You & Your Family During This Time Of Sorrow, Sam Campbell
~
Sam Campbell, Bristol, VA

February 25, 2017
Buck-Marylou-and Family our thoughts and prayers be with you at this sad time. With love Jackie Harris and Hedley Coffey.(cousin)
~
Jackie Coffey, Raphine, VA

February 25, 2017
Mary Lou, we will never forget the wonderful times we have had with Frank and you throughout our 60+ years of fun and friendship. You two were our first and best Air Force friends. We will stay in close contact with you and share your deep grief.
~
Love Betty and Grant

February 25, 2017
Mary Lou, Our sincerest condolences. I remember you both (barely), but I’m glad sister, Mary, kept in touch. God Bless you and yours in this difficult time. Colonel John Reed, USAF (ret) and Vonice, (Jim and Phyllis Reed’s son)
~
John Reed, Reno, NV

February 25, 2017
~
Grant F Mackie, Granbury, TX

February 24, 2017
Buck, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. I didn’t know that he was in Virginia Beach.
Carolyn Johnson, a distant cousin in Virginia Beach.
~
Carolyn Johnson, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

February 24, 2017
We will truly miss “Buddy” and his humor and wisdom. We are surely Blessed to have known him. Love, Bobby and Carolyn.

February 24, 2017
I have been fortunate to have had Frank and Mary Lou Harris involved in my life for the past 50 years. We met in Denver in1967. We managed to visit them in all the different places they lived. We saw their beautiful home summer before last. My first day in Utah, had to visit them in Ogden, the home across the street from them was for sale and we bought and stayed with the Harris’ until our home was finished. We had such fun, wood cutting and camping in the mountains, parties, parties and just hanging out. More like family than friends. They have always been so good to Pam, Rick and me. Mary Lou I hope you will start taking care of yourself, you have spent a long time taking care of him. Roger and I pray for you and Frankie and cry for the loss of Frank. We love you and will stay in touch. Hugs and love, Linda.
~
Linda Pollock-Wells, Ogden, UT

February 24, 2017
For the past 50 years, I have lived near, stayed with, visited in Virginia Beach, and loved dear friends Frank and Mary Lou Harris. They are the reason we live in Shadow Valley. There were so many parties, wood cutting outings, dinners and daily visits with these dear friends. I hated it when they moved to Virginia, but it was sure fun to visit them in Stuart’s Draft and Virginia Beach. They were like family. I am so blessed to have been so close to this amazing couple I could turn to for anything. I love you, Mary Lou and know how much you cared for Frank. Take care of yourself, you have certainly always put Frank’s needs before you own. Roger and I are sending prayers. Many hugs……..
~
Linda Pollock-Wells, Ogden, UT

February 24, 2017
Mary Lou and family. Our prayers and thoughts. Franks was loved and will be missed by many.
Our helicopter pilot friends that have “flown west – need a good flying safety officer.
~
Bill and Pat Waters, Biloxi, MS