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2009 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 978
Celebrating the life of Carroll E. Harris.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 24, 2009
Agreed to by the Senate, February 25, 2009

 

WHEREAS, Carroll E. Harris of Charlottesville, a veteran of World War II and a respected citizen, died on February 12, 2009; and

WHEREAS, a native of Thelma in Louisa County, Carroll Harris was born to Vascoe E. Harris and Ashley Leake Harris; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Harris enlisted in the Monticello National Guard, Co. K, 116th Infantry on October 16, 1940, and was trained as a machine gun squad leader; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Harris served in the United States, England, and France and survived the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach; on July 11, 1944, Carroll Harris was wounded when an artillery shell shattered his right arm; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Harris returned to the United States, where he would be hospitalized for the next 34 months in five different hospitals and would undergo 19 operations; however, his arm could not be saved; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Harris received an honorable discharge on May 11, 1947, with the rank of staff sergeant; during his career, he received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Ex Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, after being discharged in 1947, Carroll Harris began his civilian career with the University of Virginia Buildings and Grounds, where he was a valued and diligent employee for 35 years; he retired in 1981 as a paint foreman; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Harris gave generously of his time and talents to his community; he and his family were charter members of Cherry Avenue Christian Church, which he loved and served with great devotion; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Harris served as deacon and chairman of the church’s buildings and grounds committee for many years and received a Distinguished Service Award in 1986 and Father of the Year Award in 1989; and

WHEREAS, Carroll Harris had a long and full life despite the loss of his arm in World War II, and his dedication to his country and service to others are shining examples for others to emulate; and

WHEREAS, although his beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy, passed away in December of 2008, Carroll Harris leaves behind to remember his life a daughter, Carolyn; grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss his stories and love; and many friends and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine veteran and outstanding Virginian, Carroll E. Harris; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Carroll E. Harris as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.