Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Samuel Harris Obituary
The Richmond Hill native, was the second of ten children of the late Samuel and Corine Harris. Harris grew up on a small farm on Harris Trail surrounded by his siblings and cousins.
Harris graduated from George Washington Carver High School, and began his college education at Savannah State College and where he met his wife Gladyse White.
He received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Science from Savannah State College (University), Savannah, Georgia and began teaching in Pierce County, Georgia. In 1963, Harris jointed his wife teaching at Liberty County High School. He taught Biology and coached the Boys' Basketball team. In 1965, LCHS Boys' Basketball Team won the State Championship. In 1969, Harris transferred to Bradwell Institute where he taught Biology and coached basketball and football. He became assistant Principal there in 1972 and worked faithfully until retirement in 1996.
Harris followed his passion for athletics, coaching for the Liberty County Rec Department and officiating for many years.
Harris furthered his education at Georgia Southern University, University of Colorado and he received a Master's Degree in Administration from Atlanta University.
Harris served his community, serving on the Liberty County Hospital Board and the Liberty County Election Board. Harris is a member of Midway Congregational Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, NAACP, Retired Teachers Association and Hinesville Hall of Fame.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Gladyse White Harris, his parents Samuel and Corine Harris, his siblings Charles Harris and Thelma Harris Campbell.
He is survived by his two sons, Anthony O. Harris, Hinesville, GA and Andra (Lydia) Harris, Richmond Hill, GA, three brothers: Allen (Diana) Harris, Jacob (Sherrie) Harris, Joseph Harris, all of Savannah GA, three sisters: Mary Harris, Mamie Harris of Savannah, GA , and Stella Lataillade, of New York City. Five grandchildren: Anthony O. Duncan of Savannah, Andra II (Dee-Anna) Harris, of Atlanta, Armain Sr. (Brittany) Harris of Jacksonville FL, Nia Howard of Atlanta, and Gabrielle Harris of Richmond Hill. Great-grands: Armain Harris, Jr., Avan Harris, Dakota Harris, AnnDrew Harris, Tonasia, Zyan, An'tonese and Anthony Duuncan. Neices, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation for Samuel B. Harris will be Friday, January 17, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Midway Congregational Church, 8815 East Oglethorpe Highway, Midway, GA.
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Midway Middle School Gymnasium, 425 Edgewater Drive, Midway, GA at 11:00 am. In State 9:00 am Midway Middle School Gymnasium.
Interment: Bryan Neck Baptist Church Cemetery, 1625 Highway 144, Richmond Hill, GA
Professional Services entrusted to Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, 204 W Hall Street, Savannah, GA
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Harris
Linda Benedik
January 24, 2020
I have often thanked God for Mr. Harris and the lessons I learned from him while at Bradwell. He remains in my heart as an amazing man who embodied professionalism and taught many of us young kids the meaning of respect and selfless service. My prayers are with his family.
Nicole Carter
January 19, 2020
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers. May God bless the family in this time of mourning. Nicole, Nicholas, and Matthew Carter
Ellen Lambert
January 19, 2020
Oh my goodness... So very sorry to hear of Mr. Sam's passing. He understood what it was like coming from a rather large family, and if I ever needed to have a chat about something, he was right there for me. I had a personal incident at school one day and he came to my rescue. He was such a lovely person. What fond memories I will always have of him. Peace and prayers to his family and all his loved ones.
Lillian Shurtleff
January 19, 2020
Gladyse and Sam were good friends. I really got to know both as we were all on the faculty at Bradwell. Sam was always quiet but firm. He believed that all students had the right to attend school and learn but also that all students needed to be polite. Will miss them. Wish I could have attended his farewell here on Earth but believe that there was a celebration when he walked through the Gates of Heaven
Tom Cooler
January 18, 2020
Sending prayers and love to the Harris family today. What an outstanding life-story Mr Harris has! God bless you all during this difficult time, but know you are loved by your friends. Peace.
Sampie Smith
January 17, 2020
Rest in peace, Ben. You were a friend and mentor. May God bless your family and thank you for keeping me straight all those years.
Charlotte King Eady
January 17, 2020
When he worked in Pierce County, he "boarded" with my mother and me during the week as we lived across the street from the school. He became more like a big brother than a boarder and we came to love him. My mother adored him! That Alpha man nicknamed me "skee-wee" years before I became an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman! I am praying for your family as I know you will miss this wonderful man.
Jimmy Hires
January 17, 2020
Our prayers are with the Harris family. To have known Sam Harris was a treasure. To have been able to call him "friend", priceless. May God grant you all the peace beyond understanding that only He can give during times like these. ~ The Hires Family (Jimmy, Libby, Kala, and Jay)
Louis Golden
January 17, 2020
Sending our deepest condolences for your loss. Keeping the family in prayer for strength.
Sending our love,
Louis & Mar'cia Golden
Evelyn Frasier Mathurin
January 16, 2020
Rest in Peace Mr. Harris.
"Class of 76"
Joyce McIntyre
January 16, 2020
Prayers for the family of Mr. Harris. He was so much more than an assistant principle to all that knew him. He influenced my life growing up more then he ever knew by keeping me on the right path and encouraging me to reach for the stars and never settle for anything less then what I was capable of. His smile radiated all the halls at Bradwell every single day and his love of students and faculty made it easy to want to learn. I will miss you Mr. Harris but I know that you are spreading your laughter, smiles, and knowledge all over Heaven right now.
Dr Robert and Bernice Simmons
January 16, 2020
Our thoughts and Prayers to the Harris family.He will be missed.
Louis & Yvonne Ross
January 16, 2020
Our condolences to the Harris family. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding keep you doing this time of bereavement.
♥
Anita Taylor
January 16, 2020
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
John & Anita Taylor
January 16, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Harris family. Mr. Harris was one of the best teachers I had, he was fair and caring. He was a true asset to the Liberty County School system. He will be missed.
Greg Summerall class of '74
Malcolm & Veronica McRae
January 15, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to Andra, Lydia & family. Sorry we can't be there but our hearts & prayers will be. We love you family. God will continue to keep his loving arms around you. Love, Malcolm & Veronica McRae
Tom Cooler
January 15, 2020
My sincere condolences to the entire Harris family. I look forward to hearing many stories about Mr Samuel...truly a blessing to have such a fine man be a part of one's family. Peace.*
Regina Miller(Bryant)
January 15, 2020
My condolences to you and your family.
Linda Harrell/Doolittle
January 15, 2020
Mr. Harris was always my favorite teacher. He always had a smile on his face. I always looked forward to going to his Biology class. Besides being a teacher and a Vice Principal, he was also a friend. prayers for his family. Heaven had gained another angel. Love you Mr Harris.
Nicole Shavers
January 15, 2020
Condolences to you and the family
Johnie and Joyce Seals
January 15, 2020
Our condolences go out to the Harris Family. Ben was a kind and gentle man who will be missed.
Barbara Dobbins-Roberts
January 15, 2020
To Tony and Andrea my condolences goes out to the Harris Family he was a awesome teacher and a great person he will be miss
Gloria Curry
January 15, 2020
My Prayers goes out to Harris Family.
Ron and jeanine Robinson
January 15, 2020
Dearest Andrea and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We love and miss you.
Kathy Dart Hilt
January 15, 2020
He truly answered The Call to work with children (even though at Bradwell in the 70's we didn't think of ourselves back then as "children"). He was always even-tempered, kind and so eager to listen. His wife Gladys had the patience of Job and I know this because she taught me freshman Pre-Algebra. What a great story of love and support they shared together. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and dear friends.
Patricia J Scott, Ed. S
January 15, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family, Mr Harris was a special person. He was an excellent educator. God's Blessing Forever,
Steffon Brown
January 15, 2020
To Andra Harris & Family, So sorry to hear of Mr. Harris's passing. My sympathy & condolences to you & your loved ones at this sad time. Mr. Harris's personality was Awesome. He could tell funny jokes.He will be missed. REST IN PEACE!
Norma Brown-Rhodes
January 15, 2020
To Anthony O./Andra & the Harris family, My sincere sympathy & condolences on the loss of your father. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was "Special"...My Wonderful Neighbor! & Extraordinary Black Man! He made me laugh when I was down. He will be missed! My your many fond memories of Mr. Harris help sustain you at this most difficult time.May he Rest In Peace!
Traci DeLoach Sharp
January 15, 2020
He was a fair teacher and a good man. Prayers for his family.
EDiana Stevens
January 14, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tony Jantovsky
January 14, 2020
Sam was a great guy. We had many good talks going to call football games. I really enjoyed his humor and knowledge
Latricia (Sanders) Walthour
January 14, 2020
To the Harris Family so very sorry for your loss. May the good Lord wrap his arms around you all and give you strength in the coming days.
Rose Boan-Cedola
January 14, 2020
When I arrived at Bradwell from Belgium in 1975, Mr Harris made me feel welcome and that I belonged. I will be forever grateful that I knew him. He was a special man, and will be greatly missed. May your memories of your father give you comfort during this time of grief, Anthony and Andra. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Gus Minix
January 14, 2020
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Harris family. Sam was an assistant principal at BI when I taught there from 1973-79. He was always very supportive of the faculty and students. He and Gladys were true friends. Liberty County was blessed to have them and their family in their community. God bless you all.
Sandra Bell
January 14, 2020
Mr. Harris knew I was a gum chewer, so every morning at Bradwell, he told me to take it out. Sometimes I protested. He always won. He sat in Church behind us and kept me on my ps and qs. This is a big loss to our church family and the Liberty Community. Let's find comfort in the thought that he is reunited with his beloved Gladyse.
Roland VanHorn
January 14, 2020
Thank you for the laughs, great stories and your friendship. I will miss you.
Chayla Harris-Gaines
January 14, 2020
Dearest cousin Tony and Andrea and family,
Uncle Ben will be sorely missed. He was such a good man and we will always cherish him in our hearts and in our mind. We will live in the spirit of knowing that God has reunited him with Aunt Gladyse, Grandma, Granddaddy, Aunt Thelma and my dad, Charles. What a beautiful reunion it must be in heaven.
May the peace that surpasses all understanding comfort each of us during this time of bereavement.
We love you all dearly and will keep you all lifted up in prayer.
Love Aunt Joann, Aunt Wendy, Chayla, Richard, Tyler, Cherice, Chris and Carrington.
January 14, 2020
Mr. Harris was one of the best people I've ever known and I am glad to call him one of my heroes.
Anthony Devette
January 14, 2020
Tony and Andrae,I share your loss. He was one of my childhood idols. More than that,he was my dear friend.I always enjoyed playing basketball with him at the Dorchester Center. You and your entire family have my deepest condolences. ❤
Tim Crawford
January 14, 2020
A Good Man
Janette Allmond
January 14, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Sam Harris. He was a fine and good man. He made it more enjoyable to work at B I. He enriched the lives of all who encountered him.
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
Make a Donation
in Samuel Harris's name
Memorial Events
for Samuel Harris
Jan
17
Funeral services provided by:
Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, Inc.204 West Hall Street, Savannah, GA 31401
How to support Samuel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Samuel Harris's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
