Lawrence Milton Harris

Lawrence M. Harris of Henderson Maryland, 86 years old, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2016. Lawrence was born on July 7, 1930 and was the son of John & Edith Richard Harris. Lawrence and his siblings Mary, Richard, Jane, and Jean grew up on the family farm on Bee Tree Rd. in Henderson Maryland. Mr. Harris was a graduate of Greensboro High School. The Harris family attended Trinity United Methodist Church where Lawrence was a member and was involved in MYF where he met his future wife Joyce Ann Cole. Lawrence and Joyce Ann were married at Trinity United Methodist Church in 1952 and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on March 1st of 2016. As a young man, Mr. Harris was employed for a few years with Howard R Shockey Trucking prior to taking over the family farm and enjoying a very successful farming career until his retirement. Lawrence and Joyce Ann raised 3 very fine children David, Randy, and Gayle who have spent many memorable family holidays and special occasions with their families at Bee Tree Farm over the years. Lawrence and Joyce Ann also hosted many family reunions at the farm over the years. These reunions were called "Pond Parties" because they were celebrated beside the scenic pond in their back yard. Lawrence especially enjoyed building things for his many grandchildren. The grand children's favorite activity was for Lawrence to pull them around in a train he built that he would pull behind a tractor. Bee Tree Farm was also a favorite place for the Harris' many nieces and nephews to visit - and help with farm chores. Lawrence had many talents and hobbies. He was a very talented woodworker and has made many beautiful pieces of furniture and musical instruments for his family, all of which will be heirlooms for generations to come. He also became an expert Bee Keeper and had dozens of hives around the county. One of Mr. Harris' favorite activities through the years was to rebuild old Farmall Tractors. In fact, he continued to use the old "H" that his parents bought new all of the way until retirement. At one time, Lawrence had approximately 20 Farmall Tractors of various vintages that he had brought back to factory show room condition, and he participated in parades and shows from time to time. A family member once asked Lawrence if he could refurbish an old John Deere, and Lawrence was happy to do so with one condition - he would paint it red. He was joking of course, and gladly refurbished the old John Deere. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been members of Calvary United Methodist Church for the last 20 years. Lawrence was a past member of the Marydel Lions Club. Mr. Harris is predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard Harris, and his sister Jane Nashold. He is survived by his wife Joyce Ann; sisters Mary Mahan and Jean Basore; his children David L. (Rose) Harris, Randy C. (Nancy) Harris, and Gayle H. (John) Gage; Grandchildren Christopher (Mary) Harris , Gina B. Zook , Jennifer B. (Neal) Petroski, Jake A. Harris, Dean A. Harris, R. Cole Gage, Harris M. Gage; and 4 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 31 at Fleegle & Helfenbein Funeral Home at 11 am. Interment will follow the service at the Greensboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Compass Regional Hospice Center at 255 Comet Drive Centreville, MD 21617 or to Calvary United Methodist Church P.O. Box 307 Marydel, MD 21649. To share memories and condolences please visit www.fleegleandhelfenbein.com.

Lawrence Milton Harris

July 7, 1930 - December 28, 2016