Carl Dewayne Harris

Carl D. Harris, esteemed choral conductor, educator, and musical luminary of the Lynchburg region, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Long Branch, West Virginia, on September 23, 1937, Carl devoted his life to the advancement of music, education, faith, and family.

Carl was widely recognized for his integrity, warmth, and sense of humor. His devotion to family was paramount, and he cherished time spent with his daughters, grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephew, and extended family. His affection and support were deeply felt by all who knew him. Renowned for his wit, Carl brought joy and laughter to every gathering, and his memorable sayings will endure in the hearts of his loved ones.

A person of profound faith, Carl was well-versed in scripture and served faithfully as a church music director for many years, contributing his musical talents to worship and ministry throughout his life.

Carl graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1955, where he was honored as “Most Talented” and participated in numerous organizations. That year, he entered Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Dayton, Virginia, joining The Troubadours, a quartet that toured the Shenandoah Valley. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice in 1959 and later received a Master of Education from Lynchburg College in 1974. His pursuit of excellence led him to advanced studies at the University of Virginia, the University of Wichita, and with distinguished conductors Robert Shaw and Roger Wagner.

Carl’s teaching career encompassed high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools in Lynchburg, including E.C. Glass High School, Heritage High School (where he composed the school song), Dunbar Middle School, and Heritage Elementary School. He organized and conducted numerous citywide music programs, inspiring countless students to embrace choral music and performance. Many of his students pursued professional careers in teaching and performance.

Beyond the classroom, Carl served as Choral Director at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College), director of the FACination Chorus at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, and longtime music director and soloist at Timberlake United Methodist Church. He also directed church choirs in Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, and Oklahoma.

A cornerstone of Carl’s legacy was his tenure as the founding Artistic and Music Director of the Jefferson Choral Society, which he led for 15 years, including four European tours. Under his direction, the ensemble performed in cities across the United States and abroad, including the Czech Republic, France, Austria, Hungary, Germany, Poland, and Italy. His Salem High School choir represented the United States at the 1967 World’s Fair in Montreal, and he conducted notable performances at Carnegie Hall and the Washington National Cathedral.

Carl’s ensembles were frequently invited to national conferences and achieved top honors at competitions. He prepared choirs for hundreds of performances, including major choral and orchestral works.

He maintained a close relationship with Shenandoah University, forming and conducting the inaugural Shenandoah University Dayton Alumni Chorus for several years. He received the university’s Outstanding Alumni Award in 2002 and served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors beginning in 2009.

Carl was inducted into the Salem Alumni Hall of Fame in 1998, and in 2018, he and his fellow quartet members were honored in the Shenandoah University Hall of Fame.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Sue Harris; his parents, Forrest Clyde Harris and Laura Lillian Harris; his brother, Clifford Winton Harris; and his brother-in-law, Robert William Bowles.

Carl is survived by his devoted companion, Judy Connell; his daughter, Jamie Snider, and her children, Andrew and Laura; his daughter, Melinda Graham, and her husband, Ray, and their children, Paige, Jensen, and Ryan; his sister, Margie Bowles; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Harris. He is also fondly remembered by his nieces, nephew, their families, and many friends who regarded him as family.

Carl D. Harris leaves a lasting legacy of music, mentorship, faith, and love. His voice, laughter, and spirit will continue to resonate in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A service will be held at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11 AM with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem, Virginia.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.