Joseph Maxwell (J.M.) Harris, Jr.

Joseph Maxwell (J.M.) Harris, Jr., 82, of Hahira passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on March 7, 1936 in Valdosta, the son of the late Joseph Maxwell Harris, Sr. and the late Flora Estelle Bass Harris Crawford. Mr. Harris was an active member of the Hahira First Baptist Church where he had served as a Deacon and in many other positions. He was a member of the Hahira Masonic Lodge, Hasan Shriners Temple in Albany and past member of the Hahira Lions Club. Mr. Harris graduated from Hahira High School in 1954 where he played basketball and baseball. He played in the Twin Rivers Baseball League in the 1960’s and coached Hahira Little League and Pony League Baseball and Basketball teams through the Valdosta Boys Club for many years. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict. After serving his time in the U. S. Army he lived in Miami, Florida working for Eastern Airlines. He returned to Hahira and began working for Owens-Illinois Paper Mill and then with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Valdosta. Mr. Harris retired after many years of service from Moody Air Force Base Civil Engineering HVAC Division. He was loyal to God, his church, family and friends. He touched many lives during his 82 years by always lending a helping hand to anyone. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed being outdoors, and watching western movies.
His greatest joy, love and pride was his children and grandchildren who helped him through many difficult and discouraging times with their love and support.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Susan Stalvey Harris of Hahira; daughter and son in law, Carol and Mike Cooksey; his granddaughter, Lauren Cooksey, grandson and his wife, Taylor and Betty Morgan Cooksey all of Tifton; his sister, Katherine Holston of Valdosta; nephew, Dale Holston of Valdosta; sister in law, Lyn Stalvey; nieces, Sharon and Don O’Neal and children, Kim and Rusty Trancygier and children all of Hahira; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Joseph Harris.
Funeral services will be held at 2pm, Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Hahira First Baptist Church with Rev. David Gordon officiating. Burial will follow in the Friendship Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6-8pm at the Martin/McLane Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Martin/McLane Funeral Home of Hahira.