James Thomas Harris (Tom), 83, of Shelby, passed away on October 20, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on August 9, 1940 to Ellis and Clara Harris in Murfreesboro, TN. After high school, he joined the Navy in 1958 and served on a tugboat in San Francisco harbor. Leaving the Navy in 1963, he worked at a sign company for several years before starting his career in banking, which spanned two states and 33 years. In 2013 Tom retired and spent his time playing golf and loving on his grandkids.

Tom was predeceased by his father Ellis, his mother Clara and his brother Bill. He is survived by his wife Suzy, sons Brian (Katie) and Brett (Ruth), grandkids Grant, Sarah, Ian, Peter and Linus, brother-in-law Mike (Robin), sister-in-law Mindy (Dave).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wendover Hospice House: 953 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150 or Boy Scouts of America, Piedmont Council: 1222 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054.

To honor the life of Mr. James Thomas Harris a memorial service will be held in the sanctuary of Eastside Baptist on Thursday, October 26th at 5 o'clock, with Rev. Dale Byrd officiating. The Harris family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. prior to the service.

Condolence messages may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is compassionately serving the family.