John Kit Harris, 1927-1988The Rev. John Kit Harris preached to his church family at the Harmony United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 29, 1988. Following the service of worship a heart attack brought his earthly life to an end. All who had the privilege of knowing John, when reflecting upon his life and ministry, will certainly recall the words of Jesus: "Well done, good and faithful servant." John was born in Axton, Virginia, on August 26, 1927, the son of Jasper and Betty Eggleston Harris. His childhood days were spent in southside Virginia where he attended public schools. He was a graduate of Bob Jones University and received his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Southern Seminary. He was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1967. He served two charges for nine years (Urbanna and Brookville, Mt. Carmel) in the Baltimore conference. In 1974, he transferred to the Virginia Annual Conference where he served with distinction the following churches/charges: Marshall -Winchester District; Memorial -Richmond District; Shady Grove, Spotsylvania -Ashland District; Reliance-Ridings Chapel -Winchester District; and Harmony -Winchester District. He served in the Navy during World War II and later in the Air Force Reserve and Army Reserve. In 1980, he retired as an Army chaplain with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Among the survivors are his wife, Jessie Floyd Harris, whom he loved and adored; a stepdaughter, Anne M. Conger of Marshall; a stepson, Robert L. Goodrick of West Palm Beach, Florida; five step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; six sisters and two brothers. Final services were conducted at Harmony Church, Hamilton, Virginia on Wednesday, June 1, 1988, by Dr. H. Randolph Arrington, superintendent of the Winchester District, and the Rev. Harold L. Hicks, pastor of Pender United Methodist Church in Fairfax, Virginia. John was a diligent and faithful member of the conference, always a booster for growth and progress, and always keeping the Kingdom of God as his vision. His sincerity of dedication and purpose won his way into the hearts of his people and drew them closer to his Lord. By so doing, he made the church great, for he did "lift high the cross of Christ" and walked where "His feet have trod." What more can any man do? -Harold L Hicks |