Ernest Harris, Sr.

Ernest Lamar Harris, Sr. was born October 20, 1965 in Grady General Hospital, (Now known as Archbold) Cairo Georgia. He grew up in the community commonly known as "Beachton, Georgia". He was the youngest child born to the late Atalene Holton-Harris and the late David Harris, Sr. Ernest's grandfather who he was named after would call him "Name." His oldest brother would call him "Luke" for his sharp and uniqueness to say a joke and come up with witty saying like "Can't Say without Knowing". Most people in the community who knew him well called him "Lamar"; however, at his workplace they would call him "Ernie". Ernest had a very kind and mild mannered personality. He often exhibited goodwill and loved by everyone he met.

Ernest accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Bethlehem Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, which was renamed Bethlehem-Midway Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a very dedicated member serving as treasurer and layman. He always demonstrated a compassion for the sick and shut-in, and visited them often. He was an active member of Tried Stone Lodge No. 1, Fraternal Order of Masons, where he served as assistant secretary for numerous years. He was a faithful member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as assistant patron for several years.

Ernest graduated from Cairo High School in 1983, where he was a star athlete. He signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Auburn as a running back; however, he selected not to attend. He moved to Tampa, Florida and worked for GTE. He later moved back to Thomasville and worked for Grand Manor Mobile Homes where he sharpened his carpentry skills. He secured employment with Thomas County Schools on July 26, 2004 and remained until his passing.

After Ernest started working with Thomas County Schools, he developed back pains. His supervisor recommended he receive a back massage from Ms. Linda Eason, a certified massage therapist. The massage was so amazing, on April 17th 2009, they joined union and became one. They resided in the City of Meigs, Georgia.

Precious memories remain with those he loved and those who loved him including his beloved wife, Linda; son: Ernest, Jr; eight bonus children: Shakayla West, Shandreka Fulton, Ulexia West, John, Tyrone, Tarie (Max Levasseur), Jennifer, and Alex (Larry Jewell); lovely goddaughter Cierra Eason; sisters: Margie Harris and Rosa Williams (Charles); brothers: David (Teresa), Curt, and Roderick, brothers-in-law: Calvin, Kenny, Edward, and RC Eason; aunt: Blanche Harris; uncles: Rufus (Monica), and William "Bill"(Arndreeta); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Ernest touched the lives of others in such a warm and caring way. He was a person that knew no strangers, who found the way to others hearts and mapped a route to love. He will truly be missed.

On the evening of December 29, 2021, the Angels of Silence came into Archbold Memorial Hospital and sealed the lips of our loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.