Glenn Max Harris

Glenn Max Harris, 91, of Concord, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Atrium Health-Cabarrus.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Jim Collier, with burial to follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Wilkinson Funeral Home.

Max was born in Concord, NC, to Ruth Broadway Harris and Van James Harris on March 17, 1934. He was the youngest of four children, Edwin; Coit (deceased); and Carolyn (deceased).

He attended Cabarrus County and Concord City Schools.

After graduating from Concord High School in 1952, he entered Wingate Junior College where he earned an A.A. degree. He then attended Appalachian State College earning a B.S. and an M.A. degree. His further education included advanced degrees from U.N.C. Chapel Hill, as well as studies at N.C. State College.

During Max's senior year at Appalachian, he and several other students were stricken with polio, the dreaded disease of that time. They were taken to an Asheville N.C. hospital. After two weeks in isolation, they were dismissed on Sunday, August 29, 1955. Upon leaving the hospital, the family learned by way of newspaper headlines that the Salk polio vaccine had been approved for public use. Truly, this was a historic day.

His career in education began in Stanfield, NC, where he taught math and coached basketball at Stanfield High School. One of his college majors was P.E., and he enjoyed coaching (including Pop Warner football) throughout his career.

In 1957, his teaching was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served two years. He was married to his college sweetheart, Delores Short, of Wadesboro, NC, on December 27, 1955.

After the Army, he worked for Retail Credit Company for a short time.

In 1958, a son, Phillip Nelson Harris, was born. Brother, Franklin Van Harris, came into the family in 1968.

With two sons, they pursued another of Max's interests: horses. They participated from an early age in horse shows and won many competitions, which delighted their father.

Returning to Cabarrus County, he began a teaching career at Winecoff High School where he taught Math and became an Assistant Principal.

He next went to serve as Principal of Beverly Hills School in Concord, NC, from 1965 to 1986. Here, he enjoyed and served students, teachers, and parents. He was honored when the new Gym at that school was named for him.

Max was born into the First Baptist Church of Concord, and he started a life service there at a young age. Through the years, he remained active in leadership. He served on the Deacon Board and as Chairman. He has been a leader of many key committees and Boards within the church.

Taking his role of leadership inside the church was never more important than serving his fellow man outside the church. He truly believed and followed Jesus's teaching that "in as much as you have done it to one of the least of these, you have done it unto me."

In 1974, Max was named Outstanding Young Layman of the Year by the Concord Jaycees.

Some of his very best friends were men who never learned to read or write but needed him to help meet their basic needs. He was a math teacher, but one of these men spent time with him to better understand how he could get better performance from his tractor. A friend is surely what he was. He cared for all men, and he thought himself better than no man. That is his legacy.

In his professional life, he was a member of the N.C.A.E. and was on the Board of Directors of the Principals' Division. In 1984, he received the Certificate of Merit from Cabarrus County Schools.

After his retirement from education, he started Harris Landscaping and Irrigation, Inc.  During that time, he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Board of N.C. Landscape Architects.

He was a charter member of the Noon Optimist Club. Max was a member of Stokes Masonic Lodge #32, and a Shriner for over 50 years.

He spent his retirement years as an enthusiastic golfer, relishing the time spent on the course with his most loyal golfing companions.

Left to remember all his unique qualities and enjoy memories are sons: Phillip Nelson Harris (Linda) and Franklin Van Harris (Jane); Grandson: Phillip Nelson Harris, Jr. (Alyssa); Granddaughters: Stephanie Harris Ball (Derek); Anna Harris Ritchie (Benji); and Katie Harris; Great grandchildren: Mattie Caroline and Mackenzie Kay Ball; Charlotte Lynne Harris; Reily, Sophia, and Chase Barnhardt; and Kinsley Culler.