United States Army Veteran, Deacon James Dowdell Harris of 706 North Joe Wright Drive, Cordele, Georgia died Saturday, March 25, 2017 at his residence.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 2:00 p. m. in the sanctuary of the Greater Morris Tabernacle Baptist Church, 701 North Joe Wright Drive, Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

On January 20, 1930, our beloved James Dowdell Harris was born to Mr. Algerene Harris and Ms. Annie Willis Dowdell. He was born in Sumter   County, Georgia.

Born with a strong quest for knowledge, he valued every educational experience. He was a graduate of Gillespie-Selden Institute. He later graduated from Albany State University and Atlanta Mortuary College. Further studying was done at Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia, Georgia   Medical College for Eye Enucleation, and Cincinnati College of Mortuary   Science.

Deacon Harris committed himself to the work of the Lord at the Greater Morris Tabernacle Baptist Church. Along with serving as an ordained  Deacon, he served as Chairman of the Program Committee and Director of Vacation Bible School for two years.

A Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Deacon Harris operated the Dowdell Funeral Home for many years. He taught and coached in the public school systems of Dodge County and Wilcox County for many years. He enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Cook until his discharge.

In 1985, he began his 28 years of service to the citizens of Crisp County, when he was elected to serve as a County Commissioner. He later served as Vice Chairman. He was a member of the Crisp County Power Commission and Board Member of Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone.

Aside from his church and political duties, he was actively involved in the community. He was the former Commander of American Legion Post #542; Past President of the Crisp County Branch of the NAACP, and Chairman of the Crisp County Emancipation Proclamation Program Committee. He was also a member of the National Association of Commissioners.

“Harris,” as he was affectionately called, was joined in Holy Matrimony to the former Miss Lucille Goines. They were united on December 21, 1962.

On Saturday evening, March 25, 2017, he completed “Life’s Journey.” Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Branch.

He will forever be remembered in the hearts of his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Lucille Goines Harris of Cordele, Georgia; his loving children, Ms. Brenda Faye Powell, Ms. Michelle Harris Paul and Mr. Ronald A. Harris all of Cordele, Georgia; the joys of his life, his grandchildren, Mr. Martrice Tims of Stockton, California, Miss Raven D. Barnes of McDonough, Georgia, Miss Simeryia Yvonne Paul of Cordele, Georgia, Mr. Rashad Amir Harris of Oak Grove, Kentucky, Mr. Jalen Devon Harris of Marietta, Georgia, Master Caleb Jamarion Paul and Miss Kamryn Alyssa Harris both of Cordele, Georgia, Master Brendan Riego DeDios of Lithonia, Georgia, and Little Neomi Ammons of Marietta, Georgia; two great grandchildren; five great, great grandchildren; a beloved brother, Mr. Emmett Harris (Debra) Graham of   Cordele, Georgia; his nieces and nephews, Ms. Shakevia Porter, Mr.  Rontavious Graham, and Mr. Brandon Graham all of Cordele, Georgia, and Eulalia Hall of Charlotte, North Carolina; his aunts, Mrs. Gladys Foster and Miss Allen Harris both of Cordele, Georgia; a brother-in-law, Mr. Luke (Brenda) Salley of Fayetteville, North Carolina; a host of cousins, his honorary family members: The Valorette Social & Civic Club, Adrian McCormick and Candace Bullard both of Cordele, Georgia; a host of other relatives and friends, to include, Mr. Emmanuel Phillips of Abbeville, Georgia, Deacon John Wiggins, Commissioner Vesta Sheppard, Ms. Erma Tyson, and Mr. Jessie Tolbert, Sr. all of Cordele, Georgia.

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