In Remembrance of Zachary D. Harris

Our son and brother, Zachary (“Zach”) passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2023. Our lives were forever shattered when the Yadkin County Sherriff came to our home and told us that Zachary was found lifeless that morning on the back deck of a music venue in Durham, NC.

Zachary, always so warm and friendly, had a big heart for others. He would immediately stop what he was doing and offer his help to family, friends, and often, strangers on the street. His kindness and love for others had a profound effect on many people in all walks of life, without discrimination – wealthy or poor, educated or not, weak or strong. Zachary had many friends in Winston Salem and Raleigh, NC as well as other parts of North Carolina, and will be remembered for his vibrant personality and his ability to truly care for others. Zachary loved and was loved by many people.

Like many of Zachary’s friends, those that have gone on before him and those that still remain, Zachary suffered many painful hardships. His search for love, acceptance and purpose in life led him down many paths – some good and some not so good. Through it all, Zachary continued to find hope for the future and to look for happiness and freedom in all things. Zachary had such a beautiful spirit. He easily got excited about life and turned simple things into an adventure. He could find joy in even the smallest of things - a beautiful butterfly or an exquisite moon. He would stop at any time to take in and enjoy the beauty of the world around him. He loved sunrises at the beach and sunsets in the mountains. He would stop to listen to the whisper of the wind or the song of a bird. He enjoyed the smells and sounds of the N.C. State Fair. He loved to cook and share conversation. These were the things that lifted Zachary and gave him sustenance.

Although he had no formal training in the construction trades, he spent much time with his father who taught him many skills. Zachary was exceptionally intelligent and had an innate sense of how to create things. Even as a child of five years old, using scraps of lumber, he would play in the yard building elaborate wooden structures. Zachary could take a pencil and piece of paper and figure out how to build anything. A born self-starter, he built a very successful home renovation business starting with little more than a hand-me-down toolbelt and a few used tools (which he lovingly saved forever). He always took pride in his craftsmanship and his customers were amazed at his beautiful and flawless work. He was so proud of this and valued his reputation so much, he would even take a loss if it meant making sure his clients were pleased.

As Zachary’s parents, we were not prepared to bury our own child - especially at the young age of 30. We have tried to think of the best way to lovingly and respectfully lay our son to rest. This has been the hardest thing we have ever had to do.

We are humbly requesting funds to assist with Zachary’s burial and a memorial - a remembrance gathering for friends and family to fellowship, celebrate Zachary's life and to say goodbye to this most remarkable human being. Truthfully, we have very few financial resources and any help would be greatly appreciated. Please help us (mother, father and younger brother) to give Zachary the proper farewell he so lovingly deserves.

We plan to lay Zachary to rest at a beautiful wooded location on the family farm, facing the North Carolina Blue Ridge mountains that he loved so much. As a tribute, Zachary’s only brother, Daniel, is custom building the casket for Zachary’s final resting place. His aunt and uncle are planning his remembrance gathering – an afternoon at Tanglewood Park in Winston Salem, NC. More details regarding this are posted in Zachary’s obituary at Legacy.com.

Any remaining funds will go to honor the sick and homeless people living on the streets of Winston Salem. Although Zachary had a home on the family farm, he chose to live in this small neglected world with the people who were suffering as he was. Zachary’s mother believes that he, more than anything else, would want to give tribute to those he admired, loved and struggled with – the good people who need help the most.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you may offer to lovingly say goodbye to our son, brother and friend – Zachary David Barbee Harris.