Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

Obituary For Lieutenant "Shade" Harris

Mr. Lieutenant Harris of 1080 Mt. Horeb Road, Oakfield, Georgia, departed this life on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at his residence.

A private graveside service will be held on Friday, April 3, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. from the Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery in Warwick, Georgia with the Reverend Donny Ray Hall, officiating.

Mr. Lieutenant Harris.... affectionately known as “Shade”, was born on September 14, 1944, to Ms. Inez Porter and Mr. Lise Nelson, in Warwick, Georgia. He attended schools in Worth County, and eventually obtained his General Equivalency Diploma.

Shade joined the United States Army in February 1964, and was Honorably Discharged in February 1985. During his 21 years of service, Shade served at duty stations located in America, Vietnam, Germany, and Panama. While serving in Vietnam, Shade was wounded while in action and subsequently honored with a Purple Heart, the oldest military award. Shade was a member of the Infantry, and he earned Ranger and Airborne designations. During his career, he served as a Platoon Sergeant of the Battalion’s Anti-Tank Platoon. Shade often received praise as an outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, and he was awarded the following: Army Commendation Medal (Second & Third Oak Leaf Cluster), induction into the United States Army Sergeant Morales Club, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, The Good Conduct Medal, and numerous Letters of Commendation. At the time of Shade’s retirement from the Combat Developments Experimentation Center at Fort Ord, California, he had achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, and was described as “dedicated to duty and outstanding performance of duty that kept with the finest tradition of the United States Army.”

Upon his retirement from the United States Army, Shade served as a Mail Handler for the United States Postal Service for 20 years. During his years of service with the USPS, Shade received multiple recognitions for service and professionalism.

On Thursday, March 26, 2020, Lieutenant Harris took his Eternal Rest at his home in Oakfield, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his mother, Inez Porter, his special Aunt, Mattie Mae Jones, and his youngest brother, Ellis James Porter.

Shade was a loving Father and Brother. Left to cherish his memories are his loving and dedicated children whom he shared with former spouse, Jacqueline Douglas: Anthony Harris (Phyllis) of Albany, Georgia; and Taneka Harris Blacknell (Charles) of Prairieville, Louisiana; three grandchildren: Husani Khalid Spann of Las Vegas, Nevada; Deandre Rashawn Harris of Valdosta, Georgia; and Mya Nicole Harris of Albany, Georgia; a brother: Eddie James Porter of Clermont, Florida; a sister: Alice Porter Bivins of Rochester, New York; romantic partner and partner’s family: Annie Walker, Natalie Walker Molden, and Dorsey Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Guest Book

In the spring of 31 C.E., Jesus Christ boldly promised: "Just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his [Jesus'] voice and come out.

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Comforting words from the bible: Rev 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Isaiah 33:24 And no resident will say, "I am sick". Psalms 34:18 Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.

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My condolences to the Harris family. Praying for your continued strength and support. Adam Huckaby

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You will truly be missed Shade. You and my Brother Paul were good friends for years. When he left us almost 2 years ago, no one had any idea that you would be the next one to get your wings. I can just amagine you two sailing through the sky back together again. Rest easy my friend

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We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Lieutenant. Our prayers go out to his family. We were class mates of his many , many years ago. May God be with you all during these critical times. Clarence & Mary Burch, class of 1964.

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Mr. Harris, You are missed deeply. I will always remember all the fun talks about the military, football and our favorite tv shows. Love always, Shanta Boo

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With deepest sympathy Gwinette Tyson and family

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I am sorry for your loss. I was his supervisor of many years at the Albany Post Office. He was a pleasant person to work with.

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I am very sorry to hear about the death of your loved one and a previous neighbor many years ago. Death is never easy, in fact, at 1 Corinthians 15:26 death is descpribed as our "enemy." Yet the bible does offer hope at Revelation 21:4, 'he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. The former things have passed away.'

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Sorry to hear this. My prayers to the family. He was one of my dad great friends. He gave me a lot of good advice growing up. From Frederick Dowell and family.

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

- Shipps Funeral Home, Inc.