In Memoriam: Former Congressman Herbert E. Harris II

Former three-term Congressman Herbert E. Harris III, 88, died on Christmas Eve, according to a story in The Washington Post.

Harris, a Democrat, served in Congress from Virginia’s 8th District from 1975 to 1981. Before that Harris was on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1968 to 1974.

A native of Kansas City, Mo., Harris earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law School.

He served as a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority from 1968 to 1974. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority from 1970 to 1974.

His wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy Fodell Harris, died in 2001. A son, Sean Harris, died Nov. 18. Survivors include four children, Bert Harris of Alexandria, Frank Harris of Manassas, Susan Hept of Poolesville, Md., and Kevin Harris of Leesburg. Harris also leaves behind eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are currently not available from Demaine Funeral Home in Alexandria.

Read an interview with Harris conducted by local students, in “Snake Hill to Spring Bank.”