IN MEMORIAM: Carl Harris ‘56

The Rev. Carl B. Harris, Class of 1956, died Monday, July 5, 2021, at the age of 91. A native Baltimorean, Harris was born on October 20, 1929, to Helen and Alfred Harris.

Harris attended General after graduating from Muhlenberg College in 1952. He was ordained Deacon on September 29,1956, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Ten Hills, Baltimore (his childhood parish) by Bishop Harry Lee Doll. He was assigned as a curate to St. Anne’s in Annapolis in 1956 and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Noble C. Powell on July 20, 1957. He then served at St. Andrew the Fisherman in Mayo for 9 years, returned to St. Anne’s for 4 years, and, in 1971 he became the rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Crownsville, where he served for 25 years. I

n 1994, Harris was honored by the Diocese of Maryland with the Bishop’s Award for Distinguished Ministry in the Church. After retiring in 1996, he served as the assistant priest at the Church of the Ascension in Westminster until 1999. Always willing to pitch in when needed, he continued to assist with services at Epiphany Church, Odenton, which was his home parish at the time of his death.

Harris faithfully served his parishes and the surrounding communities with grace, patience, and humor. He was a people person who knew how to make others feel at ease. He always had an old story to tell or a corny joke to share… sometimes both! He loved spending time outside and was always on the lookout for a sunny day with a stiff breeze which provided the opportunity for a relaxing sail on the Chesapeake Bay. He also enjoyed frequent visits to Chick and Ruth’s Deli (long before it was featured on the Food Network)! He touched countless lives with his charm, compassion, and kindness, and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Tomolyn (Tomi), his son, Daniel, his daughter, Tracy (Sherrod), three grandchildren, Carli, Wesley, and Brandon, as well as two sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service was held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 10, 2021.