COLUMBIA, S.C.— Funeral services for Merrelle W. Harris, 78, who died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 at his home, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at Kathwood Baptist Church, 4900 Trenholm Road, Columbia, S.C. The Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate and Dr. Bennett Fuller will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in the mausoleum at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, S.C.

Born in Justice, N.C., he was a son of the late Needham and Viola Harris. Upon his graduation from Edward Best High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He later graduated from N. C. State University. At the time of his retirement, he was a senior vice president with the Farm Credit Banks.

Surviving: wife, Joanne Rasberry Harris; sons, Jim (Laura) Harris of Alpharetta, Ga., Greg (Nancy) Harris of Columbia, S. C.; daughter, Elizabeth (Keith) Mosher of Columbia, S.C.; sisters, Rochelle Baker and Roylene Wheeler, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of N. C.; and five grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his sister, Minnie Wilder, and brothers, Seth and Herbert Harris.

The family will receive from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, S.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kathwood Baptist Church Children’s Fund.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.dunbarfunerals.com.