Roger Max Harris

Roger Max Harris, a life-long resident of Jackson County passed away on October 18, 2026 in Asheville, surrounded by the people he loved and cared for the most. Max was preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Nina Harris, and his brother, Ricky.

Max was a graduate of Sylva-Webster High School, and he attended Southwestern Community College. He was employed over the years at Mead, Whitley, and Buster Brown. Max loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He never missed pointing out any animal that he saw. Humor was his love and legacy. His comedic timing was impeccable. He loved telling a good story, and there was a grain of truth in all of his growing stories. He always left that sorting out to whoever was listening. He was always willing to help friends and neighbors when he could. He was a member of Buff Creek Baptist Church, served as a deacon in other churches over the years, and volunteered with North Carolina Baptists on Mission doing disaster relief work in other parts of the United States.

Max is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frankie Justice Harris, daughters Missy Harris and Laura Buchanan, sons-in-law David Privette and Scott Buchanan, and grandsons Eli (Abigail), Max (Addison Cowan), and Clay Buchanan (Kaitlyn Johns), and granddaughter Abby Harris; and a sister-in-law, Marian Harris; and several nieces and nephews..

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Appalachian Funeral Home in Sylva. The memorial service honoring Max’s life will take place on Thursday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Scotts Creek Baptist Church (97 Steeple Road, Sylva, NC 28779).  Officiating the service will be Reverend Kent Lowdermilk, Reverend Lloyd Fish, and Reverend Missy Harris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be given to Buff Creek Baptist Church (1274 Mineral Springs Drive, Sylva, NC 28779). Half of the memorials will go to the church’s general fund and half will go to North Carolina Baptists on Mission.

Appalachian Funeral Services is honored to be caring for the Harris family.