Preston Timothy Harris

Preston Timothy “Tim” Harris, age 91, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2026.

Born on May 20, 1935, to William Timothy Harris and Beulah Virginia Gunter Harris, Tim lived a life defined by hard work, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for family. He was happiest when he was busy, always finding a project to tackle, a garden to tend, or a new skill to learn.

Tim spent much of his career in the printing industry, working as a plate maker and printer with Central Lithograph and Progress Printing. He took great pride in his work and was known for his dedication, dependability, and strong work ethic.

In his younger years, Tim was an avid photographer. His passion for photography led him to create a darkroom in the family basement, where he spent countless hours developing photographs, and preserving memories of special moments. He had a creative eye and found great satisfaction in capturing the world through his camera lens.

A lifelong gardener, Tim especially enjoyed growing vegetables and cultivating flowers from seeds. He delighted in watching his plants flourish and often sold the flowers and vegetables he had carefully nurtured at local flea markets. Gardening was more than a hobby for him—it was a reflection of his patience, dedication, and love of creating something meaningful from the simplest beginnings.

Never one to stop learning, later in life Tim enrolled in a small engine repair course at Central Virginia Community College. He enjoyed tinkering with small engines and could often be found working on motors, figuring out how things worked, and bringing equipment back to life.

Above all, Tim was devoted to his family. He opened his heart and home to those he loved and believed that family was built through love, commitment, and care. One of his greatest acts of love was raising his granddaughter, Susan Diane Harris Langdon, from infancy as his own daughter. She was named in memory of his daughter, Susan Dianne Harris, who passed at birth.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, William Timothy Harris and Beulah Virginia Gunter Harris; his first wife, Elise Millner Harris; his daughter, Susan Dianne Harris; his son, Barry Len Harris; his wife, Joanne Carter Harris; and his son-in-law, Shawn Butler.

He is survived by his daughter Susan Diane Harris Langdon; his stepdaughter, Robin Carter Butler, who lovingly cared for both Preston and her mother during their final years; his stepsons, Glenn Carter (Debra), Jake Carter (Linda), and Terry Mawyer; grandchildren Brady Langdon, Ayden Langdon, Chase Harris, Brandon Harris (Patience), and Denice Harris (Jenna); Lilly Butler, Taylor Richardson (Tyler), Ryan Maddox (Brittany) and Kristin Carter; Matthew Carter (Ashley), Colby Carter (Gussie), Madalyn Sullivan (Colton), and JT Carter; along with additional great-grandchildren, extended family members, Faithful Companion Stormy, and friends who will cherish his memory. 

Tim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his curiosity, his love of gardening, his guitar and photography, and most importantly, the devotion he showed to his family. Whether tending a garden, repairing a small engine, developing photographs in his basement darkroom, or caring for those he loved, he approached life with purpose, patience, and a generous heart. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg, Virginia, beginning at 11:00 a.m. A funeral service celebrating Tim’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Centra Hospice for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided to Tim and his loved ones during his final days. Special thanks are also extended to Lilly Moore for her loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Tree of Life Ministries at www.tolm.net .

Tharp Funeral Home Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.