DUNN – Oscar N. Harris, 80, a former two-term State Senator and five-term Mayor of Dunn died suddenly near his home late Tuesday.
“Our family is shocked and stricken with grief at this moment,” said Shelia Harris Maness, Mr. Harris’ daughter. “We are truly appreciative of all the prayers and the calls offering sympathy. We are overwhelmed at this time and thank our friends and neighbors for their love and support,” said Mrs. Maness.
Mr. Harris was a respected businessman and civic leader in Dunn. He had served numerous governors working closely with Governor Jim Hunt on the NC Board of Transportation and the NC Economic Development Board. Mr. Harris served as the campaign treasurer for Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue. He was active in the Jaycees, Rotary, Masons, Shriners, the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce and his church Glad Tidings Assemblies of God. A veteran, Mr. Harris served in the United States Marine Corps.
A graduate of Campbell University, Mr. Harris had a special bond for the university working tirelessly to raise funds for the new medical school on campus.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Harris are pending. Services are being handled by Skinner-Smith Funeral Home in Dunn.
