Ray Harris

Mr. Chandler Ray Harris, Sr., 85, of Segars Street, Bowman, husband of over 50 years to the late Ogretta Carlton Harris, finished his course in faith on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Heardmont Nursing Home. Mr. Harris was born in Bowman on May 29, 1929, to the late Chandler Gibson Harris and Sue Hargrove Harris. Ray was in the Army National Guard and a member of Bowman United Methodist Church. He was the owner/operator of Ray's Food Store in Bowman from 1949 until 1993, and worked as a meat cutter until January of this year, totaling a 66 year career. Mr. Harris was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed playing golf. Left to cherish his memories are his three sons and daughters-in-law: C. Ray, Jr. and Lisa Harris of Rome, G. Alan and Pam Harris of Bowman, and James M. "Jimmy" and Rosa Harris of Bowman; five grandchildren: Chandler Ray Harris, III, John Mark Harris, Lauren Wiley, Elizabeth Peach, and James Michael Harris, Jr.; one great-grandchild, Caroline Wiley; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his siblings: Hilda Boker Cortez, Walter Harris, Charles Harris, and Walker Harris. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, February 22, at 2:00p.m. in the Bowman United Methodist Church with the Revs. Alan Harris and Gary Purvis officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with Chris Wiley, Daniel Peach, Chandler Ray Harris, III, John Mark Harris, James Michael Harris, Jr., and Michael Williams serving as pallbearers. Mr. Harris will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. The family is at the residence of Jimmy and Rosa Harris on 360 Briarwood Drive in Bowman and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 7:00-9:00p.m. on Saturday evening. Flowers are optional; contributions may be made in his memory to the charity of one's choice. Share your stories and photos in Ray's Book of Memories at www.berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Chandler Ray Harris, Sr.