Douglas Willard Harris

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Douglas Willard Harris, age 53, of Ellenwood, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at his childhood home in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.  Born on September 16, 1971, in Wilkes County, to Douglas Warren Harris and Louella Harris Williams, Doug lived a life filled with love, purpose, and service.

Known affectionately throughout the community as “Lil Doug” and “Coach Doug,” he was more than an educator he was a mentor, a motivator, a devoted friend, and the kind of man who made everyone feel seen and valued. Doug graduated from Wilkes Central High School and went on to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. At the time of his passing, he was proudly completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Gordon State University.

Doug was employed with Clayton County Public Schools as a special needs paraprofessional. He was a dedicated Registered Behavioral Therapist who devoted his life to serving students with disabilities especially those navigating Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Autism. With unwavering patience, a heart full of compassion, and a gift for connection, Doug deeply believed in the power of love, consistency, and effective instruction to shape young people’s mind and character.

Doug’s calling went far beyond the classroom. He gave generously of his time and talents through volunteer service with organizations such as Granite City Boxing Gym and Ballethnic Dance Company that uplifted the community. He performed with the Ballethnic Dance Company, sharing his love for the arts, and also mentored youth at a local boxing gym, offering structure, discipline, and encouragement to those who needed it most. Whether on stage, in the ring, or in a classroom, Doug poured himself into every role with authenticity and grace.

A true Renaissance man, Doug’s wide range of interests and talents made him instantly relatable and endlessly inspiring. His warmth, humor, and ability to connect people across backgrounds left a lasting imprint on everyone he encountered. In every space he entered, Doug brought light, leadership, and love.

Above all, Doug was a family man an exceptional husband, a deeply involved father, and a steadfast friend. He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Tysole Freeman Harris, whom he loved and cherished beyond measure. He was the proud father of Terah Nicole, Douglas Ali, and Toryn Nicole, and nothing brought him more joy than cheering them on in life, embracing their dreams, and guiding them with compassion and strength.

His magnetic smile, booming laugh, and warm spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. To know Doug was to love him. He led with his heart and loved without limits.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Willard and Edith Harris, and maternal Gladys and Daniel Harris. His loving wife and children survive him; his parents, Douglas Warren Harris and Louella Harris Williams; his sisters, Nena Gilreath Lucas and Waverly of College Park, Georgia; Hope Gilreath Carter and husband Allen of Jonesville; and Teia Harris Weldon and husband Dexter of Kennesaw, Georgia.  He also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family, students, teammates, and friends who were all touched by his unwavering kindness and generosity.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM at Beulah Presbyterian Church, located at 110 Sparta Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Flowers will be accepted.

In addition to the service in North Carolina, a funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Thomas L. Scroggs Funeral Home, 6362 South Lee Street, Morrow, GA 30260; the time is to be determined. Flower arrangements may be ordered through Morrow Florist, located at 1250 Mt. Zion, Morrow, GA 30260.

Following the service, interment will take place at Fairview Memorial Gardens, 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281.

The repast will be held at Granite City Boxing Gym, 242 Fairview Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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