John C Harris

John Clark Harris, 74, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021 in Danville, VA, surrounded by his loving family.

Born January 9, 1947, he was the son of the late Frank Harris and Donna Holbrook Harris.

John was a 1963 graduate of Oceana High School. He earned degrees from both West Virginia Institute of Technology and Marshall University.

He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi, a lifetime charter member of Oceana High School Alumni Association, was inducted into the Oceana High School Hall of Fame and a member of the Wyoming County Education Association.

John taught for Wyoming County Schools for over thirty years, including Road Branch and Oceana High School. He absolutely loved the Oceana Indians and being Assistant Coach for both football and basketball. He then taught and coached at Magna Vista High School in Ridgeway, VA.  

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife of forty- seven years Betty Lou “Bet” Harris; brother, Tommy Gene Harris; mother-law and father-in-law, Lacy and Viola Paynter; sister-in-law, Doris Brown; and brother-in-law, Roger Paynter.

John will be deeply missed by his sister, Patti Harris of Nashville, TN; special niece and nephew, Kristi Cook and husband, Chuck of Oceana; cousin, Judy Holbrook of Bristol, VA; sisters-in-law, Linda Cook and Pat Paynter of Cyclone; a host of nieces and nephews; and his cats, Gracie and Chia. He also leaves behind countless students who loved and respected him as Coach Harris.

The family would like to thank the hospice nurses, Sovah Hospital staff, Judy and Buddy Saunders and Valerie Carter for their love and compassion.

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