Harry Filmore Sawyer, Jr.
August 12, 1943 – October 25, 2025

Harry Filmore Sawyer, Jr., 82, of Washington, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, following complications from a heart attack two weeks earlier.

Harry was born in Hyde County on August 12, 1943, to the late Harry Filmore and Myrtle Spencer Sawyer. He spent his working years on the water as a commercial fisherman, finally retiring at age 80.

He loved to sing and led the gospel music group Manna with his wife, Sandra, and many other musicians for about two decades. Harry and Sandra also often performed as a duo at various churches and special services.

He enjoyed following Carolina Tar Heels basketball and Yankees baseball. He liked to garden and stay busy outdoors. 

Harry was a kind and thoughtful person who loved helping others and deeply loved his family. He will be missed by many.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Bryan Funeral Service in Swan Quarter. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Eunice Chapel Church of Christ, Scranton.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Sandra Flowers Sawyer; his son, Anthony Sawyer (Serena) of Pantego; his daughter, Staci S. Phebus (Jason) of Raleigh; his brother, George Sawyer (Miriam) of Scranton; his sisters, Shelby S. Williams (Willie) of Scranton, Linda S. Modlin (William) of Pinetown, Sandra S. Brooks of South Mills, and Myrtle S. Kirk (Thomas) of Belhaven; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Sawyer, and his sisters, Agnes S. Gibbs and Rebecca S. Davenport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the ECU Health Foundation – Heart Center, P.O. Box 8489, Greenville, NC 27835.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.