Arthur Wayne Harris

Arthur Wayne Harris passed away on Sunday Dec. 15, 2024 in Pendleton OR at the age of 92.  He was preceded in death by his wife Rita in 2019.

Wayne was born March 11, 1932 in Weiser Idaho to Cliff and Gladys (Womack) Harris.

He moved to Pilot Rock OR where he attended grade school through High School  participating in all sports. After graduating High School he went into the Army for two years then was honorably discharged in 1954.

In 1955 he married the love of his life Rita Jean Peterson and had three children. Cliff, Doug, and Rhonda. Wayne worked with his dad in the blacksmith shop in Pilot Rock until they tore it down to make room for the Harris Drive-In. They ran it together until Wayne moved his family to Walla Walla and started his lifelong career as a diesel mechanic moving to several towns in Washington and Oregon. In 1972 they moved to Heppner OR where they bought the local drive-in restaurant and re-named it the R & W Drive-In (Rita and Wayne).  After the kids were gone they sold the Drive-In and traveled for a year. They landed in Pendleton where Wayne worked as a diesel mechanic until he retired in 2002.

Because of their love of camping and travel they got very involved with the Good Sam's Club.  Wayne lost interest in camping when he lost his travel partner in 2019 but always beamed with delight whenever a grandchild came to visit.

Wayne is survived by three children: Cliff Harris, Doug Harris, Rhonda Mclaughlin (Steve) Grandchildren: Ryan Harris, Corey and husband Tyrel Scott, Brianne and husband Adam Sinner, Matt Wishart, Brandi Nelson, Eric and Amanda Mclaughlin and nine great grandchildren. Memorial services are scheduled for Friday January 3rd at 10:00 am at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton followed by a graveside service at the Pilot Rock Cemetery.