Harley Edward Harris, Sr.

Mr. Harley Edward Harris, Sr., age 87, of Patterson, passed away early Friday morning (9/15/23) at Harborview Satilla in Waycross following an extended illness.

Born March 17, 1936, in Patterson, he was a son of the late James Allen and Emmaline Godwin Harris. Living most of his life in Pierce County, he was a 1954 graduate of Patterson High School and was a veteran, serving in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961. He then returned home where he was the owner and operator of Harris Electrical and Refrigeration before working as an electrician for Gilman Building Products.

He was a faithful member of Laura Chapel Baptist Church and had served many years as the Senior Adult Sunday School Class teacher.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Juanita Smiley and Jewellee Thomas; and 4 brothers, Virgil Harris, Clyde Harris, Raymond Harris, and Bufford Harris.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Annetta “Ann” Bandy Harris of Patterson; 3 children, Allen (wife Merry) of Blackshear, Doree Harris Murray (husband Ashley) of Grimes, Iowa, and Edward Harris (wife Avis) of Patterson; 9 grandchildren, Benjamin (Robyn) Harris, Tom (Stacey) Harris, Joshua (Emily) Murray, Hannah (Loic) Dupin, Sam (Ashley Nicole) Murray, Adam (Ashley Anna) Murray, Emmalee Murray, Aaron (Rebekah) Harris, and Dorcas Harris; 10 great grandchildren, 1 sister, Tootsie Cowan (husband Gene) of Patterson; 2 sisters-in-law, Faye Harris and Virginia Harris, both of Patterson; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Tuesday afternoon (9/19/23) at 3 p.m. at Laura Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the Laura Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the service.

The family requests that the Laura Chapel Senior Adult Sunday School Class, the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class, Terry and Mary Nell Herrin, Steve and Gail Crump, and Terry and Dale Walker to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please be at the church by 2:45.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pioneer Bible Translations, www.pioneerbible.org/aaronandrebekahharris or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.