Sherrill Lavelle Harris

Sherrill’s Motto: Do the best that you can.

Mr. Sherrill Lavelle Harris, son of the late Solomon J. and Ellen Geiger Harris, was born January 13, 1949, in Lexington, South Carolina. Sherrill entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Lexington Medical Center in Lexington, South Carolina.

Sherrill, affectionately known as “Bro,” attended elementary through high school at Rosenwald High School in Lexington County School District One and graduated in the Class of 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Allen University in Columbia, S.C. Sherrill served in the United States Army, serving in Korea and in the National Guard 108 Reserve Unit in Columbia, S.C.

He began his career in business management in grocery stores such as Colonial Big Star Foods, culminating at WalMart. He worked as a set up supervisor at the WalMart Bentonville, Arkansas Corporate Office and retired as a manager after a span of 26 years. Sherrill established the S&S Assistance Housing, LLC through a partnership with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and managed the business until his health declined.

Sherrill served the community in many capacities beginning in his youth where he assisted in voter registration campaigns in the late 1960’s. He served as president of the Lexington Branch NAACP for ten years, serving as vice president prior to his ascension to the presidency. He was guided by the principle of equality and respect for all as well as educating and informing the public about their rights and privileges. Sherrill engaged and enjoyed a strong relationship with community leaders. He was an active member of the VFW, American Legion, serving as First Vice Commander, as well as the Lexington Masonic Lodge 251 and Shriners. He coached several softball teams in the Lexington and Orangeburg communities. Sherrill’s love for humankind was personified in his dedicated community service. 

Sherrill was a faithful member of New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served on the Steward Board as pro tempore, President of Senior Choir, Special Assistant to the Pastor, Finance Committee, Social Action Liaison, member of the Lay Organization, Sons of Allen, Usher Board, and a Columbia District Trustee. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister, Shirley Harris Smith; an elder sister, Vera G. Harper; an Aunt who raised him, Sarah Lytes; and an infant brother.

Sherrill leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 29 years, Shirley Wise Harris; three brothers, James (Hermayonne) Harris, Shelton (Sandra) Harris both of Columbia, SC; Willie Reggie Harris of Lexington, SC; Dwight Harris of New York, NY;  Tionfilo Lamont (Charmika) Wright, raised in the home as a son; mother-in-law, Marayal Wise of the home; brother-in-law, Joseph Harper; two sister-in-laws, Louise (James Luther) Wise, and Barbara Jean Wright;  one aunt, Jackie Williams; grandchildren, Shamar Wright and Amor Alonna Wright; goddaughter, Greta Robinson and her son Marcus; cousins reared in the same home as brothers and sisters; nieces, nephews, cousins, god children, many other relatives, and friends

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