In Memory

Frank Edward Harris - Class Of 1972

DECEASED ALUM:  FRANK HARRIS, FHHS 1972

January 26, 1954 - August 24, 2020

Biography
Frank Edward Harris was born January 26, 1954 in Oxon Hill, Maryland to Herbert Eugene II and Nancy Jane (Fodell). The second of five children, Frank grew up in Northern Virginia, and graduated from Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria in 1972, where he was involved in the Cave Club, Crew Team, Swim Team and Intramural Bowling (a hobby he enjoyed for many years after). Frank remained in Northern Virginia for most of his life, eventually settling in Manassas in 1985, where he lived for nearly 35 years. He explored a number of career options, while also pursuing his Associate Degree from Northern Virginia Community College, and found his life-long career at the United States Postal Service, where he was a dedicated employee for over 20 years.

In his free time, Frank enjoyed spending time outdoors; specifically, camping, hiking and backpacking. He was an active member of Chapel Springs Church in Bristow, Virginia, and valued his relationship with Christ above all else. He frequently found ways to give back to others, including volunteering in service projects like Hurricane Katrina clean-up, involvement with an organization assisting developmentally disabled adults, and spending time with the children's ministry at his church as a caretaker for a young man with Down Syndrome. Many who knew Frank would say he never met a stranger, and often forged friendships with everyone from his fellow church congregants to the businesses on his postal route.

Frank was most proud of his two daughters, Aubrey and Ashleigh, and his two grandchildren, London and Winston. He moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family and to receive care for his early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (diagnosed in 2019) from Morningside Assisted Living, where he lived until his passing. He succumbed to complications from COVID-19 on August 24, 2020 at the age of 66.

Frank is survived by his daughters, Aubrey (Ben) Eckerson of Raleigh, NC and Ashleigh Harris of Durham NC; his two grandchildren, London and Winston Eckerson of Raleigh, NC; his siblings Herbert "Bert" Eugene Harris III of Alexandria, VA, Susan (David) Hept of Salisbury, NC, and Kevin (Claudia) Harris of Leesburg, VA; nieces and nephews Dylan (Christina) Harris, Justin (Sandradee) Harris, Heath (Annie) Harris, Emily (Nick) Martin, Ben (Courtney) Hept, and Sam Hept; and many members of his church and work family who he cared about deeply. He is predeceased by his parents, Herb & Nancy, and his brother, Sean Harris.

In an effort to respect social distancing and protect the health of all those who knew and loved Frank, the family will be postponing any formal service at this time. To best honor Frank's life, please wear a mask to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate on his behalf may give to the following organizations:

COVID-19 Response Fund: covid19responsefund.org
Alzheimer's Association: alz.org
Transitions LifeCare: https://transitionslifecare.org/donate/

- Information provided by Frank's daughter, Aubrey Eckerson, January 2021