Bobby Lamar Harnage

Moultrie, Georgia – Bobby Lamar Harnage, 85, of Moultrie, Georgia, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at his residence.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00, July 24 at First Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend Dr. Hugh Ward officiating. The family will receive friends and family immediately following the memorial service. Born October 2, 1939, in Lakeland, Florida, he was the son of the late Mallie J. Harnage, from Adel, Georgia, and Evelyn Strawder Harnage, from Norman Park, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Mallie J. “Jay” Harnage; a sister, Jean Harnage Conner; wife Sharon Gail Flowers Turner Harnage; and beloved German Shepherd, Shiloh. Born in Lakeland, Florida, he moved with his family to Moultrie when he was six months old.

Following his 1957 graduation from Moultrie Senior High School, where he played baseball and football (jersey # 31), he attended both Norman Park Junior College and the University of Georgia.

In 1959, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a Police Officer at Clark Air Force in the Philippines for 18 months, where he developed his investigatory skills. He was also a skilled marksman, twice won 8th Airforce Individual Championship and Georgia’s State Championship. He placed 4th worldwide in the Airforce Logistics Command Team competition, winning their gold medal.

After receiving an honorable discharge in 1964, he went to work for the American Federation of Government Employees union, moving his way up the ranks, holding every position from District National Representative to Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President and eventually National President. It was during his time as Secretary-Treasurer that he was also elected Vice President of the AFL-CIO.

Survivors include his wife, Leslie Majors Harnage; daughter, Michele Harnage Rodgers; sons, Bob Harnage and wife, Juanita; and Greg Harnage and wife, Julie; stepdaughter Tammie Turner Laraza; grandchildren, Matthew Rodgers, Nicolas Rodgers, Michael Rodgers and wife, Emily, Zachary Rodgers, Lindsey Harnage Finney and husband, Joel, Katherine Harnage and Jennifer Harnage and wife, Emma Petrich; great-grandchildren, Ian Laraza, Damien Lee Rodgers, Rhett James Rodgers, Liam Finney, Brody Finney and Eva Finney; sister, Patricia Gordon and husband, Michael. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Moultrie, Georgia.

Cobb Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.