HARRIS, Jr., Welcome Welcome Harris, Jr., of Oxford, Georgia, a retired City of Atlanta Police Department Major, departed this life Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the age of 70 with his loving wife Janice by his side. Born November 4, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, Welcome was the son of the late Welcome Harris, Sr., and Carrie Lou Harris both of Atlanta. On August 1, 1967, he was united in marriage to Janice Williams, and their families were joined as one. Two daughters, Angelique and Andrea came to bless this union. He was a Christian and longtime dedicated member of Visions of Life Baptist Church where he was a past member of the finance committee. Welcome was a 1963 graduate of David T. Howard High School. Upon graduation he attended Clark College in Atlanta, GA where he was a member of the football team. He proudly and patriotically served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army entering in 1966 and receiving his honorable discharge in 1968. Welcome was a graduate of Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia with a B.A. in criminal justice and Troy University with a M.A. in criminal justice. In 34 years of service as a police officer, Welcome helped solve over 300 murder cases assigned to him as a homicide investigator, including two infamous ones - the Atlanta Missing and Murdered child slayings and the Lita Sullivan murder, both of which ended with convictions. He retired from the City of Atlanta Police department in 2007. He will be remembered dearly by his dedicated wife of 48 years Janice Y. Williams Harris; daughters, Angelique M. Harris and Andrea M. Harris; grandchildren Hunter L. Harris, Kennedy L. Harris, and Lillian M. Lyons; sister Pamela Harris, as well as a host of nephews; nieces; cousins, in-laws, other relatives and many friends. Welcome, Jr., was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Welcome Harris, Sr., and Carrie Lou (Thomas) Harris; brothers, Brantley Harris, Zachery Harris, and Clyde Roby, Jr.; grandparents William and Josephine Thomas; granddaughter Bria N. Smoot; and in laws David E. and Arther Mae Williams. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road, SE, Atlanta, GA 30317. The cortege will assemble at Saint Philip AME Church, at 10:30 am. Interment immediately following service at Lincoln Cemetery. Donald Trimble Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Feb. 18 to Feb. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Welcome Harris

Sponsored by Donald Trimble Mortuary, Inc..

31 Entries

Bill Gordon

February 12, 2025

Welcome will always be remembered as a true friend that was dedicated to God, family and friends.

I will always remember the times we shared together in person and on the phone talking about our work experiences and our families. He is missed.

Bennett Britt

January 19, 2024

As I was reminiscing about the past recently, my thoughts went back to my basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Among the handful of people I knew was Welcome Harris. I had never heard that as a given name and thought he must have come into the world, greeted by some special people. I remember Welcome as a person, who possessed a most unusual sense of dry wit and humor. In some of our most frustrating times, Welcome would have just the word or words that would evoke laughter and diffuse the tension. After Basic Training graduation day, I never saw nor heard of Welcome again, until seeing this obituary. I feel sure that he is making Heaven a more joyful place.

Bennett Britt

William Gordon

February 12, 2019

Welcome is a friend that I reflect on frequently. Just last week David and I talked about him. He had very strong determination to do what is right.

He loved his family and especially that grandson. I continue to pray for the family.

Sally Beer

February 28, 2016

Welcome Harris was truly one of the finest gentlemen that I have ever been blessed to know. Janice, Andrea and Angelique, may his memory be a blessing forever.

Cee Pinckney

February 28, 2016

It was my pleasure to serve you as a patient but then as a friend. God bless your journey as you transition into the arms of our HEAVENLY FATHER. Good by my friend.

Horace and Nancy Mullins

February 25, 2016

Peace be unto your house.

Bertha Holtzclaw

February 24, 2016

To Janice and the entire family, you have my deepest heart-felt sympathy and condolences during your time of bereavement. I have no comforting words to ease your pain nor lighten your heavy load. Only God knows and see what you are going thru. My prayer is that God gives you strength to endure today and the days to come.

Denese L. Love

February 24, 2016

To the Harris family, we'll all miss him. I'll keep him in my prayers.

Todd

February 24, 2016

You fought the good fight Welcome. Rest in peace my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Janice and the family.

February 24, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

McCarthy & Margaret Morgan

February 23, 2016

Peace be on you "O" dwellers of the grave, may God grant his blessings and forgiveness on you, Brother Welcome you have gone before us and we will surely follow.

ROBIN WILSON

February 23, 2016

PRAYERS GO OUR TO THE FAMILY . HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.

ELMER ATKINS

February 23, 2016

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY

February 23, 2016

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Billy Gordon

February 23, 2016

Welcome is a great friend that will truly be missed. Our friendship materialize in 1974 when we worked together in the Stakeout unit and we remain friends from that time until now.

To Janice and the girls I will keep you in my prayers always.

Viola McCalla

February 23, 2016

Major Harris was truly a remarkable individual. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time and know that God will never leave you nor forsake you...

David & Ruth (Chris) Boston

February 23, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Andrew Miller

February 23, 2016

May You rest in peace. God be with the family doing this time (God Bless)

Jerald & Jo Ann Moore

February 23, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God continue to bless and keep you.

February 22, 2016

Major Harris, you took me under your wing and I learned a great deal from your knowledge. You were a gentleman and a professional. Thank you for your dedication to the Department and to the citizens of Atlanta.
Carol Ann Alberque

Trudy Boyce

February 19, 2016

Lt. Harris was a wonderful resource for me. I greatly appreciated the patience and dignity with which he went about his duties. I always had the sense that he was a treasure trove of information about Atlanta and the Atlanta Police Department, both the present and their history. My thoughts are for his and the family's peace.

Lee Genson

February 18, 2016

Welcome, we have lost a dear friend and colleague who was always there for the Genson family. From the early days when we were all detectives in Homicide, you set a high bar of excellence. Prayers for Janice and your family during this difficult time.

Michelle Beck

February 18, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family during this time. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Michelle Beck

February 18, 2016

Welcome Harris was a kind and sweet man. He was a cherished supervisor, co-worker and friend. I will never forget him and his stories of APD in the early years. Working with him in the Homicide Task Force Unit was some of the best times of my life. He made me smile everyday. I will never forget him. I can hear him now saying "Michelle, you know I don't eat chicken, let's go get some Varsity". You will be missed dear friend.

Sheila Jackson

February 18, 2016

What moves through us is a silence, a longing for one more day, one more smile, one more conversation, one more hug, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little we began to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May it comfort you to know that "Welcome Harris" is safe in God's care. Rest now...my dear cousin.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18

Terri Roby Benn

February 18, 2016

I love you Uncle Bay! You will be missed...

February 18, 2016

Janice and family, it seems that there is so little anyone can do to ease your pain with the loss of a loved one. But please fine comfort in knowing that we care. Bay was our friend since childhood. God Bless.
Gus and Gloria Pritchett

Lou Arcangeli

February 18, 2016

We have lost a great man, and I am sure many share my sadness to have lost the opportunity to hear Welcome's gravelly voice telling his incredible personal stories and history.
He was such a tough guy, had such a strong moral compass, and embodied courage in all things. He was a role model for many of us, and always stood for what was right, always.

Psalm 83 : 18 ~BJP ~

February 18, 2016

My most deepest sympathies to the Harris family, during this difficult time may the many kind thoughts you receive comfort and support you in your grief and may you fine strength in the Most High God.

Richard Price

February 18, 2016

I will Miss you old friend. Now there is no worries

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