Joseph Edward Harris

Joseph Edward Harris (Joe Ed) of Abbeville, AL died on March 6, 2018. He was born on April 20, 1929 in Sumter County, Alabama to John E. and Annabelle Harris. Joe Ed grew up in Montgomery and attended Lanier High School graduating in 1947. While in college he served in the U.S. Army National Guard for two years. Joe Ed met the love of his life, Sue Wood, while attending Huntingdon College and they were married March 7, 1953. They were devoted to each other for 65 years: best friends, workmates, soulmates, supportive parents and fun loving grandparents. They lived in Montgomery, Atlanta and Mobile before settling in Abbeville for the past 58 years. Joe Ed was the owner of Abbeville NAPA Auto Parts for 39 years before retiring and began traveling more with Sue, his children and grandchildren. He loved to say he made it to 48 states and many were on the road trips they loved to take together. Their last few years were spent at Seagrove Beach relaxing and entertaining visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called him Joe Papa. Joe Ed loved cruises with his family, blackjack with his grandchildren, following the stock market, sitting on the front porch of his beach house and eating Sue Mama's delicious cooking. Joe and Sue were some of the founding members of Abbeville Christian Academy and believed education was the best foundation for their children and grandchildren. He has been a faithful member of Abbeville United Methodist Church for his years in Abbeville and also loved attending Wednesday Bible study with John Riley. Joe Ed is survived by his wife Sue Wood Harris, son, Mark E. Harris (Portia) of Huntsville, daughter, Claudia Harris Sherer of Murfreesboro, TN and son, Joel W. Harris (Teresa) of Newville. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Jane Shannon (Don) of Dothan, grandchildren Brian Harris (Gina) of Birmingham, Anna Ashby (Drew) of Atlanta, Joseph Sherer (Lindy) of Miami, Patrick Sherer (Audrey) of Murfreesboro, Parker Sherer of Nashville, Kaitlin Britton (Ben) of Dothan, Lauren Harris of Birmingham, Joshua Harris of Newville and great grandchildren Luke and Sam Harris, Jackson, Davis and Sarah Kate Ashby and Emerson Sherer. The celebration of life for Joe Ed will be Thursday, March 15 at 2 pm at Abbeville United Methodist Church with visitation from 12 to 2 pm in the church family life center. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Harris, Joseph Sherer, Patrick Sherer, Parker Sherer, Joshua Harris and Ben Britton with John Riley officiating. Memorials can be made to Abbeville Christian Academy or Abbeville United Methodist Church. The celebration of life for Joe Ed will be Thursday, March 15 at 2 pm at Abbeville United Methodist Church with visitation from 12 to 2 pm in the church family life center.