‘A good man to know, a good friend to have’
Donald Harris, the incumbent District 1 commissioner for Morgan County and a beloved public servant, died of cancer on Dec. 6.
Harris left behind his wife Geraldine and son Donald.
Born Feb. 2, 1948, Harris was a native of Morgan County and a graduate of Pearl High School.
His service to the community started at a young age when he was drafted into the United States Army during his senior year of high school. He served as an infantry soldier in the Vietnam War for two years and was awarded the Purple Heart and the National Defense Service Medal. His mother accepted his high school diploma on his behalf at graduation, where he was recognized as valedictorian.
In 1975, Harris earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Fort Valley State University. He later earned master of science degrees in physical education and biology from Georgia College & State University.
Harris put these degrees to good use, teaching science for more than 30 years at Morgan County schools, both middle and high. Fondly remembered by the Bulldogs as “Coach Harris,” he also served as the head coach for the boys' basketball program for 25 years and assistant coach of the football program for 15 years.
Harris has served on the Board of Commissioners in the District 1 seat since 2008, holding multiple roles during his tenure, including chairman and vice-chairman.
When not busy as a county leader or educator, he chaired the deacon ministry and finance committee at Plainview Baptist Church. Until his death, he was active with the local food pantry and remained a staunch supporter of high school athletics after retirement.
Earlier this year, the Morgan County African American Museum recognized Harris as a “Living Legend” in the education category during its annual Living Legacy Gala, celebrating his “lifelong dedication to his community.”
“Mr. Donald Harris’ legacy as an educator, veteran, coach, deacon, and county commissioner is marked by his unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and community impact,” read the recognition on the museum’s website. “For over three decades, he shaped the minds and lives of many students, both in the classroom and on the basketball court, leaving an indelible mark on Morgan County.”
Morgan County celebrated Harris’ love for his community following his death.
“Commissioner Donald Harris has had a tremendous impact on our community for decades,” the BOC said in a statement. “He has impacted thousands of people as a coach, teacher, friend, mentor, colleague, commissioner, and faith leader. Coach Harris never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone. There is no better example of a true public servant than Commissioner Harris.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing,” continued the statement. “Please join us in keeping the Harris family in your thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks, and months to come.”
Superintendent Dr. Virgil Cole said it was a huge loss for the community.
“Just a huge loss for our community,” Cole said. “He was an icon of our school system. I think everyone knew him as ‘Coach;’ it was just a term of endearment for him. He was a great man and role model for our community. Super sad news.”
Madison Mayor Fred Perriman, a family friend, also spoke about the coach’s legacy.
“He was an asset to the educational community, his church, and the Morgan County community,” Perriman said. “He was a family man who is going to be missed. Always very softspoken and thoughtful, he wasn’t the type of guy to get upset over little things. He will leave a void in our community that can’t be filled. He was a good man to know and a good friend to have.”
Madison Mayor Pro-Tem and City Councilmember Carrie Peters-Reid, who held several joint town hall meetings with Harris, was one of his students and shared her memories of Harris in the classroom.
“I didn’t participate in sports, but Coach Harris was everybody’s teacher,” Peters-Reid told the Lake Oconee News. “He kept everybody straight, and he was a teacher you could talk to. He was always smiling, and he liked to joke around, but you could tell when he meant business. I think he is a legend in our community.”
She encouraged everyone to follow in Harris’ footsteps.
“As we celebrate Coach Harris’ life, we want to honor his memory,” Peters-Reid said. “He embodied the values of faith, family, and community. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward with purpose, integrity, and compassion.”