Dr. Chrys Jay Harris

Dr Chrys Jay Harris, 76, of Greer, S.C., passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024. Chrys was born at the United States Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, N.C., to the late William Arnold Harris and Elizabeth Conkey Harris on February 3, 1948. Born into a military family, Chrys had many homes growing up, including North Carolina, Indiana, Taiwan, and South Carolina, where he graduated from Beaufort High School in 1966. He went on to enlist in the United States Army to become a helicopter pilot. Following his stint in the Army, Chrys obtained his bachelor's degree from Wofford College in 1973, his master's degree from Wake Forest University in 1975, and his PhD from Purdue University in 1988. Chrys was proud that all three of his degrees came from schools that shared the black and gold colors. Chrys eventually opened his own practice, Family Therapy and Trauma Center, in Greer, S.C., as a marriage and family therapist, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. He also consulted with the Vet Center in Greenville, S.C. His passions outside of work included his dogs, the outdoors, music and playing the guitar and keyboards, football (especially the Miami Dolphins and his fantasy team, the Mongols), and he was always up for a card game. He loved technology and lamented in his later days that was going to miss all the new gadgets that are yet to come. He was a wonderful cook and loved to create new dishes, though washing them was another story. Despite being paralyzed in an accident while in the Army, Chrys chased adventure all his life. From traveling across Europe, to scuba diving in Florida, to riding snow mobiles in Indiana, to hunting in the woods with his dear friends, Chrys never let his disability keep him from living life to the fullest. His wonderful smile, infectious personality, and sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all that knew him. Chrys is survived by his wife, Judith Eileen Buohl Harris of his home; son Will Harris of Decatur, Ga.; sisters Patti McCormick (Randy) of Vinton, Va., and Tracy Harris of San Diego; nephew T.R. McCormick, III (Tiffaney) and family of Bent Mountain, Va.; sisters-in-law Gail Holmes (Rick) and family of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., and Betty Rakes (Mickey) and family of Lexington, S.C.; and many cousins. The family will hold a visitation between 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at The Wood Mortuary in Greer, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dr. Harris' name to the United States Veterans Center, 3 Caledon Court, Greenville, S.C., 29651. Online condolences may be left at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Dr. Chrys Jay Harris

February 3, 1948 - November 2, 2024