Daniel Lee Harris, age 82, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was born February 25, 1926 in Sylva, North Carolina to Columbus Oudus and Lillie Mae Sheppard Harris.
Daniel grew up in North Carolina and came to Sedro-Woolley in 1948. He worked as a shake sawyer at Superior Shake Mill in Birdsview for many years. He was proud that he had all of his fingers after more than 40 years working in shake mills.
Daniel was married to Ardella Caulkins in 1951 in Sedro-Woolley and that marriage ended in divorce. He later married Lillie Whaley on February 18, 1977 in Mount Vernon and she preceded him in death in August of 2000.
After his retirement, Daniel was an active volunteer for over 20 years at the Helping Hands Food Bank. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and will be remembered for his story telling.
Daniel is survived by his 4 sons, Jerry Harris and his wife Valerie of Mount Vernon, Richard Harris and his wife Diane of Sedro-Woolley, Steve Harris and his wife Terri of Acme, and Fritz Bentz and his wife Diane of Gresham, OR. 8 grandchildren, Melinda Knap and her husband Todd of Birdsview, Michael Harris of Bow, Jeremy Harris and his wife Decoyia of Tacoma, Anna Lynn Frank and her husband Joe of Concrete, Richard Harris and his wife Kelli of Boise, ID, Ryan Harris and his wife Melissa of Bow, Courtney Faria and her husband Tao of Gresham, OR, Eric Bentz of the US Navy and 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way. His sister, Margaret Harris of Waynesville, NC, numerous nieces and nephews, and close friends, Joyce Daves and Jeanette Elliott. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Will and Henry and a sister, Ruth Witmore.
Graveside Services will be Friday, January 23, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Van Zandt Cemetery with Jerry Harris, Dan’s son officiating. A reception with a Pot Luck will follow the services at the Samish Grange. Memorials are suggested to Helping Hands Food Bank or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
