Levy Harris, USAF T. Sgt. (Ret.)

Levy Harris passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, in Louisburg, North Carolina, after a brief illness. He was born on August 3, 1931, in Flatrock Township/Kershaw County, South Carolina. His family was honest and hardworking. They farmed and managed a wood-hauling business for many years. Levy and his family attended White Oak Baptist Church, and he was introduced to Christ at an early age. He was preceded in death by his parents Johnnie Harris and Almeater Drakeford Harris, and eight siblings: Oscar Harris, Frank Harris, LJ Harris, Leila Mae Harris, Janie Harris Bracey, and James Harris (who were twins), Johnnie Harris, and Richard Harris.
Levy (or Snook as family and childhood friends called him), was known for his strong work ethic, sharp wit, and wisdom. He loved cool cars and good music (especially Jimmy Smith, Johnny Taylor, James Brown, and Lou Rawls). He was also an excellent cook! Snook would help anyone trying to help themselves – especially his family. He always expected you to do your best – he was tough but fair and unafraid of hard work. Two of his favorite mantras were “You’ve got to pay attention to what’s going on around you!” and “Can you handle that?” (which was both a question and a challenge).
Levy joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and retired honorably in 1976, at the rank of TSgt. Sergeant/E6. He served in Merced, CA; Thule Greenland; Ubon, Thailand; Middlesex, England, and Nellis AFB, Nevada, before retiring from Pope Air Force Base, in North Carolina. In the military, Levy’s specialization was aircraft jet engine technology. He received numerous certifications in his field because he believed in the importance of mastering his craft. After retirement, he worked for Black and Decker in Fayetteville North Carolina, for 18 months. Shortly after his tenure at B&D, he began working at Simmons Army Airfield on Fort Bragg (now known as Fort Liberty). He worked on Black Hawk helicopters as a civil servant at Simmons Army Airfield. Before his retirement in 2005, he received numerous certifications, accolades, and Bronze Medals for commendable service. He was proud of his work and believed in keeping his skills sharp. He often said, “The stuff I work on doesn’t go around the corner and stop; it flies every day!”
In his downtime, Levy loved keeping his cars pristine, playing bingo, and doing yard work. He was often seen riding on his lawnmower (with the personalized license plate), wearing his favorite Kangol cap, and keeping his yard in Spring Lake beautiful. After retirement Levy and his wife enjoyed traveling “up Hwy. 97” to spend time with family and friends. Levy lived a full life - he loved his family and enjoyed being free! Even though health challenges made it difficult for him to do what he wanted in his later years, he never lost his proud and independent spirit . . . and he never abandoned his relationship with (and reliance on) Christ.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Lucille Spicer Harris, children Kregg Hamilton (Merced, CA), Charles Hamilton (Merced, CA), Joann Hamilton (Anchorage, AK), Dr. Wanda Harris Pemberton (Darryl) ( Wake Forest, NC), one sister-in-law Allie Stover Harris (Camden, SC), four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of special nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.