Harry Lee Doss, Jr., 54, known as Lee to many, passed away at home on April 18, 2017, after a lengthy encounter with brain cancer. To family, he was known as “the man seen from behind” – a nickname given to him for his habit of striding far ahead on family hikes. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2017, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Lonnie Lacy and the Rev. Ellen Richardson officiating. Mr. Doss will be laid to rest at Tift Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 22, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
David Rice, Andy Hall, Mikell Reed, Michael Branch, Jed Tanner and Zack Tanner will serve as pallbearers.
While his walk was too short, he accomplished much, owing to his pace.
Born in Tifton, he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia. He was also a proud member of the United States Coast Guard, a small business owner and a rural route mail carrier. In all these roles, he was exemplary, but he did his best and most rewarding work as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was an excellent sounding board, advocate and teacher of those close to him. He often said his family was his hobby and enjoyed spending time with them, cooking, snorkeling and, of course, hiking in parks near and far. He liked corny jokes, being outside and sharing stories.
Lee loved authors with a sense of humor – Mark Twain, Terry Pratchett and David Eddings, to name a few. The funnier tunes of Jimmy Buffett, David Allan Coe and MeatLoaf were among his favorites. In the end, the cancer took his command of language. He was left with love and patience.
He is survived by his parents, Harry Lee Doss, Sr. and Charlotte Reed Doss; wife, Brenda N. Doss; children, Christina Norton and Sydney Doss; sister, Malinda Doss McGriff; brother and sister-in-law, William “Bill” and Dianne Hayes Doss; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. His love and patience endure. His humor is remembered.
Lee preferred poker to gin, chess to checkers and winning Monopoly to losing anything. He was a formidable ally, dogged competitor and steadfast friend. His loyalty is treasured. Now, as always, he is steps ahead, leading the way.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne’s Building Fund, P. O. Box 889, Tifton, GA 31793.