Read Leigh "Tim" B Harris II's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Leigh "Tim" B Harris II

Glenville, NC

July 19, 1928 - February 6, 2021

Jul 19, 1928 - Feb 6, 2021

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Leigh B. “Tim” Harris II, 92, of Glenville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with his children and loved ones all around him on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Sterling Estates of West Cobb Retirement Community in Marietta, GA.

Beloved father, grandfather, uncle, mentor and friend, Tim was born and raised in Princeton, NJ, to the late Leigh B. Harris, Sr. and Maude Bishop Harris. He married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Vandenberg, who passed away after 64 years of marriage in 2013. He is also preceded in death by his sister Jean Harris Mason.

After graduating from Princeton High School, he earned a Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. For many years, he worked alongside his father-in-law, John Vandenberg, at Tiger Bus Line, providing bus service for Princeton Borough and Township Schools, as well as transportation service for many Princeton University sports teams.

In 1964, Tim pursued a teaching degree and taught math for more than 25 years at Northeast High School and Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and The Hun School of Princeton in Princeton, NJ. He coached football and wrestling for most of his teaching career, and as an experienced outdoorsman, he organized student activities that included intramural sports, community service, hiking, climbing, canoeing, fishing and other camping skills that helped students to appreciate nature and being outdoors.

In the summer of 1965, through his relationship with Pine Crest School, Tim started a 5 decades long affiliation with Camp Highlander, a residential camp owned by Pine Crest School in the mountains of Highlands, NC, which eventually moved to Mills River, NC. He was counselor of the oldest boys cabin his first year, then became Program Director, Assistant Director, and eventually, Tim was Director of the camp for many years. In 2000, when the camp was sold, Tim stayed on, holding various roles until he was 89 years old. Please see Camp Highlander's wonderful tribute to Dad through the following link: https://www.camphighlander.co…

Tim was devoted to his family, along with his wife Betty, and they both worked into their 80’s to provide a good and full life for their children and one another. Their family meant everything to them, and neither tired of talking about their children or one another. Tim is survived by 4 children of whom he was so proud: Donna Harris Pope, Princeton, NJ; Leigh Harris and wife Mary Jane Morrison, Fletcher, NC; Dale Harris Sparacino and husband David, Hendersonville, NC; and son Tim Harris and wife Deana, Kennesaw, GA. Along with his children, Tim leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many coworkers and friends who will feel the emptiness his absence leaves.

Tim was known by many names: Dad, Pops, Pappy, Uncle Tim, Mr. H, Boss, Popi, and Mr. Tim, but anyone who had the blessing and opportunity to know him was touched by his kind nature, and his sincere interest in them when they spoke. His commitment to the development of the skills and confidence of youth, his wisdom and sage advice, and his mere presence touched the lives of thousands of children, young people, and adults. Tim’s passing leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of many.

Tim’s children cannot thank enough the owners, administration, and wonderful staff at Sterling Estates of West Cobb. He could not have been better loved nor better cared for. We are also very grateful to the staff at Trinity Hospice Care of Marietta.

In Honor of our Dad and his legacy in camping and the lives of children, a scholarship in his name has been established with the American Camp Association to send children to Camp Highlander. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation in Dad's memory, it is important that you use the following link, and please be sure to note: “In Memory of Mr. Tim Harris” https://acacamps.formstack.co…. This link is the official and only link that will take you directly to the American Camp Association for the scholarship donation in Dad's name.

A Celebration of the Life of Tim Harris will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Camp Highlander in Mills River, NC. Please check the “Event” tab of this website for specific details and an RSVP for this celebration.

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