William "Buddy" Harris

Valdosta, GA Mr. William “Buddy” Harris, 69, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Harris was born Oct. 24, 1942, in Jasper, FL to the late Herbert Harris and Minnie Burnett Harris. He was a member of the Loch Laurel Baptist Church, Valdosta and was preceded in death by his wife; Catherine Lynette Register Harris. Buddy had a great admiration for the out doors. In his younger days he pursued hunting, but as he grew older, his attention turned more to bird watching or sitting amongst nature, listening to the wind, watching wildlife and observing the changing of seasons. He became a lover of plants and flowers, especially roses. A family-oriented man, he possessed a quiet nature and exercised great influence over the growth and development of extended family members. He had a great love for his son-in-law and his grandchildren. Buddy very much enjoyed deciphering the mechanics of machinery and was known for towing heavy equipment home and making “junk” operable again. In the last days of his life, he still enjoyed long drives through the countryside, to the end a lover of all things outdoors. Buddy was always willing to help anyone in need. Often he provided for others before giving a thought to his own needs. Survivors are one daughter and son-in-law: Catherine Lee & Rusty Johnson, Brunswick, GA; two grandchildren Russ Johnson, Valdosta and Sarah Johnson, Atlanta; four sisters: Loretta Swann, Valdosta, Dorothy Bennett, Lakeland, Bobbie Hayes, Lake Park and Jane Richardson, Jacksonville, FL; best friend and care giver: Ms. Janie; many special nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own children and several other relatives. Services for Mr. Harris will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012, at eleven o’clock from the Loch Laurel Baptist Church, Valdosta, GA. Internment will be in the North Cemetery, DuPont, GA. Visitation will be held Friday, May 25, 2012 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Roundtree Funeral Home and Saturday morning from 9 until 11 am at Loch Laurel Church in Valdosta. Roundtree Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.