Lester Leroy Harris, 78, of Port Republic died May 7, 2012, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

He was born April 15, 1934, to the late Norval and Evelyn Harris.

He was the eldest of seven children. He attended the public schools of Calvert County. In 1956, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a laborer and construction worker in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia area and was a longtime member of Local Union No. 657. On Nov. 29, 1958, he married Mae Bourne and they had three children.

He cherished time spent with his family. He especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and was actively involved in their many activities and events. He also loved the precious time spent with his sisters and brothers and sons-in-law. Whatever they were participating in, he got involved, including driving them to games, practices, attending sport events, dance recitals and so much more. He will be long remembered for his willingness to help others by chauffeuring many people up and down the highway to their doctor’s appointments, the store or other places. He was a quiet man, but his love for people and wonderful smile spoke for him.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael; and brother, Noval Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mae; daughters, Vera Bourne and Doreen Jones; sons-in-law, Rice Bourne Jr., and Rodney Jones; grandchildren, Tayvon and Jerrell Jones, Ciara, Candace and Chanell Bourne; sisters, Josephine Johnson and Maude Bourne and her husband, Clinton; brothers, Ford and his wife, Iris, Gordon and Odell and his wife, Josephine Harris; sisters-in-law, Gertrude, Olive, Marietta; and brother-in-law, Gary; uncle, Daniel Brown; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

Funeral service was May 12 at Mt. Olive United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick, with the Rev. Patricia M. Berry officiating.

Interment was at Brooks United Methodist Church Cemetery in St. Leonard.

Pallbearers were Bruce Gray, Rodney Gray, Jeffrey Jones, Maurice Brown, Ryan Gray and Dwan Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers were Spencer Stepney, Roger Brown, James Straiten, John Jackson, Thomas Johnson and Allen Brown.

Arrangements were provided by Sewell Funeral Home in Prince Frederick.