Reverend Brice C. Harris, Sr., a devoted husband to Edie, a loving father, and an esteemed United Methodist minister, passed away on October 17, 2023, in Hendersonville, NC. He was 81. Born in Anderson, IN, he grew up in Miami, FL.

Rev. Harris acquired his Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt Divinity School, and Master of Religious Education at Union Seminary in NYC in 1967 (quite a formative experience). He later also earned a Master of Marriage and Family Counseling joking he should “be able to redeem his three Masters for one PhD”.

Brice had a buoyant personality, enjoyed people, had a great big laugh, and an even bigger heart as well as a sharp mind, mischievous streak, and irreverent sense of humor.

Brice dedicated his life to serving others through his work as a UMC pastor in the Florida Conference for 41 years, and continued into his retirement. His ministry was guided by the wisdom in Romans 8:38-39 - that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. He offered comfort and support to those in need: the hungry, unhoused, lonely, lost and left out. Open-minded and open-hearted, he passionately supported civil rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ folks. He mentored many women entering the ministry, and helped establish an American-Haitian Community Center and the Committee on Haitian Ministry for the UMC Florida Conference.

In retirement, Brice attended Etowah UMC. He and Edie established and led a Stephen Ministry group (a listening ministry) and volunteered with the church’s food pantry, Fishes and Loaves.

Most important to him was his family. He was married to Edie for 58 fulfilling years, building a partnership of love, support, and shared values. Brice was a wise and playful father to his son, Brice Harris, Jr (wife Chris) and daughter, Meg Hoke (husband Todd), as well as indulgent and proud of his three grandchildren, Gavin, Bryson, and Shayne. He wanted his family to explore their own interests and passions, and when asked to help, he always said “SURE!”

Brice is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Elnora (Dille) Harris. Aside from immediate family, he is survived by his sister Jackie Poston, her husband Frank, their four children, and his cousin John Anderson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2:00pm at Etowah United Methodist Church, located at 110 Brickyard Rd, Etowah, NC 28729. The Reverend Richard Buff will preside. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fishes and Loaves ), or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

A special thank you to all those who cared for him at Carolina Village, especially at the Medical Center, and to his team from Four Seasons Hospice.

Brice will be missed by all who knew and enjoyed him. His legacy of compassion, faith, joy and service will continue to inspire and guide those whose lives he touched.