Dennis Abbott "Ab" Harris

Dennis Abbott Harris

Born Dec 15, 1955 - Died Oct 5, 2026

Dennis Abbott Harris was a life-long enthusiast of all things mechanical. When he was 5 years old, he asked his parents for an old washing machine for Christmas. After he got it, he immediately began repeatedly disassembling and reassembling it until he mastered the machine. He remained a fan and collector of gasoline engine-powered washing machines for the rest of his life.

Motorcycles soon followed, which led to an early career in flat track racing. Bill Epley, owner-operator of E&H Cycles in Spartanburg, SC, became his greatest mentor. Early years found Dennis campaigning his 1967 Norton P11. When he transitioned from rider to tuner, he found his true calling. Together with Bill, Bill’s son Howard Epley and later with rider Steve Freeman, Dennis helped build and campaign a variety of racing motorcycles including Harley Davidson XR750, Ducati 750 Desmo, Ossa and other marques across the Eastern USA. Along the way, his middle name was shortened to Ab. That became his name in the racing world. By the early-mid 1980s, his expertise and success as a tuner led to recruitment by Honda Racing in California to assist in their new RS750 development program.

After returning home on the mid-1980’s, he built race engines for numerous racers and teams in a small workshop in the back of the family’s CJ Harris Furniture Store in downtown Chesnee. He was recognized by many to be one of the top motorcycle race engine tuners in the USA. During the same time, Dennis worked in the Spartanburg Harley Davidson Service Department until early 1994.

With the help of family and friends in late spring 1994, Dennis finished converting the oldest building in Chesnee, which was next door to the furniture store, into the home of Chesnee Classic Cycle. Chesnee Classic Cycle became a cornerstone of the local bike scene, primarily servicing Harley Davidson motorcycles. Having a cold beer at the shop with Dennis became a regular past-time for many people, whether or not they owned a motorcycle. His reputation as one of the best race engine tuners followed him for the rest of his life, with professional racers regularly calling and stopping to see what Ab was doing while they recalled the amazing things he could do with a motorcycle engine.

In 2005, regular smaller motorcycle events at the shop gave birth to the soon to be Antique Bikes on Main annual motorcycle rally. Along with a few dedicated partners, Chesnee City Hall and select other groups, Antique Bikes on Main became the largest event to date ever held in Chesnee, he also organized the Motorcycle Toy Run for Kids for 14 years. Based upon his success as an event producer, City Hall requested Dennis and his partners to first produce the Chesnee City Centennial celebration festival in 2011 and then in 2012 to incorporate both the annual Chesnee Farm Festival and Chesnee City Festival with Antique Bikes on Main on the Last Weekend in July. He insisted that all aspects of these events be free of charge to attendees so everyone could have the best experience in Chesnee while making memories that would last a lifetime. In 2014, Dennis arranged production of the official Antique Bikes on Main video, which can be viewed via this link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OO_ukLAEiU

Dennis closed Chesnee Classic Cycles when he formally retired at age 62 in December 2019. The 2020 Covid pandemic ended Antique Bikes on Main. Dennis spent his retirement years enjoying time with his dogs and close friends while always keeping involved in all things motorcycle-related.

Dennis suffered a massive cardiac event in bed in the early morning of Monday September 28, 2026. He never woke up before passing away quietly at 5:30 am on Monday October 5, 2026. He will be forever missed by many people for many reasons.

Dennis is survived by his sister, Laura Michelle Hall of Spartanburg; brother, Kelly Harris (Lamonda) of Chesnee, Brett Harris (Christa) of Charlotte; special nephew, John Harris, along with numerous other nieces and nephew.

He was predeceased by his parents, Clellan Don “C.J.” Harris, Nancy Kelly Harris and a sister, Betsy Angle.

Above all, Dennis had a heart of compassion for the needs of others and was always willing to help anyone.

No formal services will be held at this time.

Harris-Nadeau Mortuary & Crematory

Chesnee, SC.