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Donald B. Harris

02/02/1948 - 12/06/2024

Obituary For Donald B. Harris

Coach Donald B. Harris transitioned to eternal rest Friday, December 6, 2024 at Saint Mary's Health Care in Athens, Georgia.

Coach Harris, a Vietnam war veteran and a native of Morgan County, obtained his B.S. in Education from Fort Valley State University and a M.S. in Physical Education and Biology from Georgia College and State University.

He was an educator, having taught in the Morgan County School System for over 30 years. Most notably, Coach Harris served as basketball coach for 25 years and also as assistant football coach. He has served on the Morgan BOC since 2008 in multiple capacities. Coach Harris was a member of Plainview Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Deacons as its chairman.

Viewing and visitation will be Friday, December 13, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Bernard's Madison Chapel.

Services celebrating the Life, Memory, and Accomplishments of Deacon Coach Donald B. Harris will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday morning, December 14, 2024 at Springfield Baptist Church, 2050 Bethany Church Road, Madison, Georgia 30650 where Bishop Kenneth Jones serves as pastor; Rev. Terry Dorsey, the Pastor of Plainview Baptist Church, will honor the family and congregation with the eulogy for his Deacon Board's Chairman. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery at Plainview Baptist Church, 1221 Plainview Road, Madison, Georgia 30650.

Bernard's Family Funeral Care, The Madison Chapel, is charge of final services, (706) 438-3210.


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A Celebration of the Life of Coach Donald B. Harris

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Coach Harris was a Great Teacher, Coach, Mentor and Great Inspiration to his family, friends and community. He will be deeply missed.. Mr.& Mrs. Greg & Elinda Binion

Coach Harris was a wonderful part of Morgan County as both the basketball and assistant football coach may he be remembered by everyone who knew him

May coach Harris rest in peace we will all miss him in Morgan County 😇

May coach Harris rest in peace we will all miss him in Morgan County 😇

Coach Harris was a remarkable Deacon, Coach, Mentor, and Leader—but above all, he was a Soldier in God's Army and a true servant to his family, community, and every life he touched. His presence brought joy wherever he went—a joy rooted in his faith, purpose, and unwavering commitment to lifting others. Coach, your impact on my life and the lives of countless others was nothing short of extraordinary. I will forever hold dear our weekly conversations, the wisdom you shared during Sunday School lessons, and the quiet yet powerful encouragement you gave me as I transitioned into retirement. You made every individual feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving greatness, no matter the obstacles. You were not only a coach on the basketball court but also a soldier of exemplary service and discipline. Your time in the United States Army taught you leadership, resilience, and selflessness—qualities you carried into every role you embraced. As a fellow soldier, I admired your ability to lead with purpose, instill discipline, and inspire those under your guidance. You embodied the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, and honor, setting a standard that was impossible to overlook. On the basketball court, you taught us that winning wasn't just about the score—it was about the strength of the team and the joy that came from shared effort and achievement. You instilled in us the importance of selflessness, hard work, and unity. You believed that true success came from uplifting one another and finding joy in the process, no matter how tough the journey. Every moment mattered, from the practices that tested our limits to the victories that celebrated our collective strength. It was an honor to serve as your basketball manager from 2003 to 2005. Those years were about more than just basketball; they were about life. You showed us that winning wasn't just a goal—it was an attitude. Your laughter and sense of humor brought light to even the hardest days, reminding us that joy could be found in the smallest moments. You had a gift for turning every challenge into an opportunity to grow and every triumph into a shared celebration. I'll never forget the night we played in Putnam County, and I let my excitement get the best of me, dancing on the court. With that signature mix of humor and wisdom, you said, "Carlton, next time you jump on the floor, I'm going to leave your behind in Eatonton!" That moment, like so many others, reminded me of your ability to teach with kindness, guide with love, and always make us laugh. As John Chaney once said, "Winning is an attitude. It's about wanting to do your best, wanting to compete, wanting to make sacrifices for your teammates, and wanting to win." Coach Harris, you didn't just live by these words—you embodied them. You showed us that winning wasn't about individual glory but about the relationships, the memories, and the joy we achieved together. Your legacy, Coach, is one of servant leadership, unwavering faith, and unshakable love. You lived a life of purpose, reminding us that the greatest teams are those that work together, uplift one another, and stay united through every challenge. You taught us to find joy not just in victory but in the effort, camaraderie, and the journey itself. Though the court now feels emptier without you, your spirit will forever echo in the lessons you taught us, the laughter you shared, and the lives you changed. You served as a soldier for both your country and God's Kingdom, and your example will inspire generations to come. Goodnight, Coach Harris. You have finished your race with honor, and we will see you in the morning. With love, gratitude, and the deepest respect, SFC (R) Carlton K. Canteen

Very Respectfully.

Carlton K. Canteen,

Yes, our Chairman of Plainview Baptist Church wore many hats. The best hat he wore was the hat of Jesus. We'll miss our Deacon on Sunday's at Plainview. Rest easy Dea.

I had the privilege of knowing Coach as a fellow employee of the school system and on the Family Connection Board. Coach was a humble person dedicated to the youth and citizens of Morgan County. It is your time to rest and thanks for a life well-lived. Way Myers, Retired Principal, Morgan County Primary.

Sending love and prayers to Mrs. Harris and my friend Dermid. May God keep his loving arms around you.

A True Man Of God ! He Will Be Missed ! Martha Crew Covington, Georgia

A True Man Of God ! He Will Be Missed !

Donald wore so many hats in his well-lived life. He was my "brother from another mother". He was our Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Plainview Baptist Church. He was civic minded not only because of his service on the Morgan County Board of Commissioners, but because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of his fellow citizens. Most importantly he was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and uncle. Loving prayers and thoughts are sent for strength and comfort for his family, especially for Gerri and Dermid. Rest well, Sir! Carol Williams Smith

Sending love and prayers to the family of Coach Harris. He was a great man of the community. His legacy and love will forever live on in the lives of many. You will be missed. Forever in our hearts. He is now resting in the bosom of God. Love Rb and Eddie Mae Lewis 🙏🙏

Donald Harris: A VERY well-loved, respected, and admired MAN who is and will always be WIDELY REVERED as "COACH HARRIS!!!"

Love, light, and prayers to ALL the family&friends, faculty, students, and ANY loved ones affected by the loss of such a GREAT man!!!

Sincerely and deepest condolences,

Terika Lynette

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Bernard's Family Funeral Care, LLC. | GA

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