Mr. Cornell Harris, Sr. was born on February 24, 1944, in Yatesville, Upson County, Georgia, to the late Mrs. Margaret Calhoun and the late Mr. Amos Harris, Jr. After the passing of his father when Cornell was seven years old, he was lovingly raised by Mr. Jesse Walker.

He attended the public schools of Upson County and later attended Drake High School. He was a faithful member of Henderson Temple True Church of God in Christ.

During his early manhood, Cornell married Ms. Essie Mae Zorn. Together they were blessed with seven children, all of whom he loved dearly. His beloved wife preceded him in death on March 5, 1993.

Cornell was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent his life providing for his family. Throughout the years, he was employed by Mr. Felton Thomas, Stephens Tire Company, Thomaston Mills, Yamaha, and later retired from Stephens Cleaning Service.

During his leisure time, Cornell enjoyed working with his hands. He had a passion for carpentry and cabinet making and loved spending time outdoors enjoying nature. He also enjoyed fishing, playing horseshoes on Saturday mornings, riding his motorcycle, and giving back to his community by cutting children's hair on Sunday mornings and volunteering to cut the hair of men at the nursing home. Cornell was a deep thinker with a sharp mind who often reflected on life and imagined how things could be different or better. Above all, he cherished his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved father figure, Mr. Jesse Walker; his wife, Essie Mae Harris; one brother, Amos Harris III; one sister, Barbara Ann Patterson and one granddaughter, Iyeshia Dozier.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, he received his heavenly wings, and his spirit took flight and returned to the Heavenly Father. He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

He leaves to cherish his memory seven children: Mr. Cecil Harris, Ms. Jeanette Meadows, Mrs. Deborah (John) York, Mr. Rickey Connell Harris all of Thomaston, GA, Mr. Kenneth O'Neal (Karen) Harris of Athens, Mrs. Antiquonita (Marcus, Sr.) Bussey and Mr. Cornell (Kim) Harris, Jr. both of Thomaston, GA; twenty-seven grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Margie Johnson of Riverdale, GA, and Mrs. Clautis Kendall of Thomaston, GA; two brothers, Mr. Rufus Harris of Richmond, VA, and Mr. Grady Dennis of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.