Joseph (Joe) Ray Harris of the Baton community, died Tuesday July 14, at Amorem of Valdese following a year of declining health.  Bill and Deanie Harris welcomed their oldest of three sons, May 25, 1951, at Blackwelder Hospital in Lenoir.

A 1969 graduate of Hibriten High School, Joe played third base for his Panther team.

Drafted in 1971, he received his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC, where he ran Cross Country. Joe was stationed in Berlin, Germany from 1971-1973 proudly serving his country.

September 30, 1978 he married his sweetheart, Tilda Triplett. Together they served the Caldwell County community, she at the Caldwell County Health Department and him serving 30 plus years as USPS Mail Carrier.

If you loved Chevrolet trucks or cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles, deer hunting or golfing, you had a friend to talk too. Joe enjoyed car shows, antiquing, collecting vintage tools, yard sells, and flea markets with his friend, Roger Hollars. He loved to stop and talk and would often begin his conversation with, "I've got news for ya." He once told his nephew, Justin, "If someone bothers you, just call your Uncle Joe I will take care of them and nobody will know what happened to them!"

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, James William (Bill) Harris and Addie Lene (Deanie) Crump Harris; grandparents, Lee and Jessie Crump and Romulus and Annie Harris; brother in law, Travis D Triplett and nephew, Josiah Triplett.

Survivors include his wife, Tilda Triplett Harris of the home; brothers, Keith Harris(Cheryl) and Jeff Harris, both of Lenoir; Sisters in law, Teresa Throneburg and Kathy Kistler (Dan) both of Hudson; nephews, Justin Harris(Courtney), and children, Hattie and Holden, Jacob Triplett(Amber) and child Aiden; nieces, Sharon Harris Hartman(Ryan) and children, Bradley, Zachary and Lily, Lisa Harris Wood(Josh), Jessica Wilks(Jeff) and children, Lawson, Maggie and Trip and Chloe Herman(Brett).

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 17, at Greer McElveen Funeral Home of Lenoir. Receiving is at 1:00 PM with services beginning at 2:00 PM.  Keith Harris, brother of Joe, will officiate and Cheryl Harris, sister in law, will serve as piano accompanist.

Burial will be at Blue Ridge Memorial Pk. of Lenoir with Military recognition.

As we remember Joe and listen with our hearts, we may hear, "I've got a story to tell. . . I've seen Jesus!  I've talked with Jesus and YES, I can now WALK with Jesus!  Amen

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Harris family.