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Harris LeFew Passes At 88

January 14th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

The longtime public relations director of the Luke Mill has died.

Harris LeFew was 88 and arrangements are being handled by the Fredlock Funeral Home, in Piedmont.

Harris W. LeFew, 88, of Westernport, MD died at his residence on Friday January 12, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 9, 1930 at Hedgesville, WV and was the son of the late Rev. Charles M. LeFew and Clara (Harris) LeFew.  He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Keyser, WV

He attended  Fort  Hill High School in Cumberland, MD and graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1946, and played guard on  the undefeated football team. He graduated from Western Maryland College with Bachelors degree in Economics in 1951. He was a 3 sports athlete playing soccer, Lacrosse and boxing. He graduated from Frostburg University with a Masters in Industrial Management in 1963.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 at Ft. Bragg, NC and Denver CO.

He was assistant manager of the Hagerstown Chamber of Commerce from 1955 to 1959. He came to work at Westvaco as the assistant PR Director at Westvaco in 1959. He retired from Westvaco in 1999, with 40 years of service, as the Director of Public Relations.

Harris was awarded the Man of the year for the Mineral County Chamber in 1995.He held a life membership in the Cumberland Youth Football League. In 1990 he was recognized by Western Maryland College as Alumnus of year for the class of 1951. He was named Executive of the year by Professional  Secretaries International in 1987.  He was awarded the Annual Bulldog recognition award by Bruce High School in 1978.

He played on local softball teams, as catcher.  He also loved to play golf; He enjoyed going to ACC basketball and ACIT tournaments. He was an avid WV fan. He played Bridge on a regular basis.

He was member of the Tri-Towns Lions Club for over 35 years. He was associated with the County United Way for over 30 years. He was former member of the WV and MD Press Associations. He was former lay leader at Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, WV.  He held life membership in Victory Post 155, American Legion in Westernport, MD. He served on the Sacred Heart Lay Advisory  Board. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in both Mineral and Alleg. Counties. He was a member of Ali Ghan Shrines in Cumberland, MD and member of Royal Order of Jesters, and was member of Hiram Lodge # 103 AF&AM in Westernport, MD.

Harris is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Janet (Schaefer) LeFew and his three sons; Bryan D. LeFew and wife Debbie of Winchester, VA, Bruce W. LeFew and wife Donna of Franklin, TN, and James H. LeFew and wife Susan of Charleston, WV.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Nathan,Meagan,Sara, Laura and Amber;  and eight great grandchildren;Bridget,Caitlin,Jack,Thad,Owen,River, Asher and Willa. He is also survived by his brother,retired Lt. Col Charles F. LeFew and wife Mernette of Davenport, FL and a sister Rebecca McLachlan of El Cajon, CA  He is also survived by his brother-in- law, James Head and wife Mary of Westminster, MD, and  many nephews and nieces.

Family and friends will be received at the Fredlock Funeral Home in Piedmont, WV on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 from 2 to 4 P.M. and 6 to 8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the Grace United Methodist Church in Keyser on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 at 11 A.M with the Rev. Lauren A. Godwin officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 A.M. until the time of the service.

The family request that Memorial for Harris be directed to Grace United Methodist Church, 30 S. Mineral St, Keyser WV. 26726 or Allegheny Humane Society, 716 Furnace St Cumberland, MD  21502, or the WV Press Assoc., 3422 PA AV , Charleston, WV.

 

One Response to “Harris LeFew Passes At 88”

  1. May 05, 2018 at 5:24 pm, Jonas Eshelman said:

    Hello, Harris and I graduated from Hagerstown High, 1947, both played football. With his small size, he played ‘well’. I graduated number one male in that class.

    We both went to Western Maryland college the same year, although I graduated in three years…took two summer classes.

    I write this to acknowledge Harris death that is listed the recent ‘Hill’ magazine. Take care. Be well. Jonas

    Reply

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