James F. “Sarge” Harris, 86, of Tifton passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Cypress Pond Senior Care in Tifton. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 26, 2019, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Gary Cadwell officiating. Tom Edge will give a eulogy. Mr. Harris will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery with military honors and with the Rev. Steve Tucker officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 25, 2019, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Jim Graham, Terry Nichols, Ricky Fletcher, Steve Cadwell, Zack Stone and Jonathan Graham will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Cleo McAllister Sunday School Class at Liberty Baptist Church and the staff of Cypress Pond Senior Care.
Born October 21, 1932 in Early County, Mr. Harris was the son of the late Tollie Franklin Harris and Iva Katherine Hatcher Harris. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Annie Belle Hill Harris; one daughter, Karen Lobeda; two brothers; and three sisters. Before retiring, he was employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation for thirty years. He served twenty years in the United States Army and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class. He served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Tifton.
Mr. Harris is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Dottie and Tom Edge of Athens; four brothers, Billy Harris of Tifton, Gene Harris of Eldorado, Harvey Harris of Orlando, Florida and Tollie Harris of Brunswick; two sisters, Ava Dell Norred of Phenix City, Alabama and Vivian Pearson of Enigma; five grandchildren, Melissa (Paul) Lee, Michele (Michael) Bone, James Scarberry, Kevin Boatner and Jennifer Boatner; fourteen great-grandchildren, Morgan Bone, McKenzie Bone, Maggie Bone, Cody Bone, Grant Bone, Anna Bone, Mollie Frances Bone, Tyler Scarberry, Tristion Scarberry, Jacob Scarberry, Will Boatner, Abby Boatner, Nathan Boatner and Eli Boatner; one great-great grandchild, Everly Grace; and several nieces and nephews.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 1290 Jacob Hall Road, Tifton, GA 31794.