Thomas Young Harris, III

Thomas Young Harris III, 86, of Crawford, GA, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

Tom was born in Oglethorpe County in 1935 to Thomas and Lottie Harris. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Peggy Bargeron Harris.

Tom is survived by two daughters: Paige Colquitt (Steven) of Bogart, GA and Suzanne Mingledorff (Fred) of Midway, GA; two sons: Thomas Harris IV of Newnan, GA and Steve Harris (Jessica) of Athens, GA; 9 grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. W.M. Lewis of Hiawassee, GA; and special friend Nancy McWhorter of Athens, GA.

Tom graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 1953 and the University of Georgia in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later earned his Master’s of Education and Educational Specialist degrees at the University of Georgia.

Tom began a 39-year career in education in 1957 with Dalton City Schools as a teacher and coach. The following year, he moved to Monroe and joined the Walton County School System in the same capacity. He was employed by the Walton County School System for 11 years, ascending to the position of Assistant Superintendent for his final three years. He returned to his native Oglethorpe County in 1969 as the system’s first appointed Superintendent. He served in that capacity for 27 years until his retirement in 1996. After retiring, he worked part time for the Clarke County School System and the Georgia School Boards Association.

Tom was a longtime member of and deacon at Lexington Baptist Church. He was a charter member and past president of the Oglethorpe County Rotary Club. Tom was elected to serve a four-year term on the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners. He served six years in the United States Army Reserve.

Tom’s family and friends will remember him always for his giving and respectful nature. He was kind and compassionate, putting the needs of others first. Tom was a quiet man whose actions spoke volumes.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jeffrey Thomas and the staff at University Cancer and Blood Center and the staff from Homestead Hospice for their extraordinary care and love.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 27 at Lord and Stephens, East Chapel at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lexington Baptist Church. P.O. Box 302, Lexington, GA, 30648, or to the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia, P.O. Box 49309, Athens, GA, 30604.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com