Douglas Willard Harris

Douglas 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 an educator, 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 attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Furthering his education, he obtained his Associate of Applied Science in Abionics Bench Technician Degree from Atlanta Technical College. At the time of his passing, he was completing his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Gordon State University.

Doug was employed with the 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.

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, uplifting his community. He performed in the ballet Urban Nutcracker with Ballethnic Dance Company, sharing his love for the arts, and mentored youth at Granite City, offering structure, discipline, and encouragement to those who needed it most. Whether on stage, in the ring, or the 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.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Willard and Edith Harris, and maternal Gladys and Daniel Harris, and a bonus Mom, Annie Mae Harris. He is survived by his parents, Douglas and Louella Harris, His loving wife, and children; Mother and Father-in-law Ethel Mae and Robert Wideman of Anderson, SC. His sisters, Nena Gilreath Lucas and husband Waverly of College Park, GA; Hope Gilreath Carter and husband Allen of Jonesville, NC; and Teia Harris Weldon and husband Dexter of Kennesaw, GA. He also leaves his sister in law, Angela Wideman, and brother-in-law, Tirrell Freeman and his wife Tanisha, both of Anderson, SC; and Joseph Robert Wideman and his wife Antonia of Columbia, SC. He leaves a wide circle of extended family, close friends, students, and coworkers, who were all touched by his unwavering kindness and generosity. He left a legacy of love and laughter.

Following the service, interment will take place at Fairview Memorial Gardens, 164 Fairview Rd, Stockbridge, GA. The repast will be held at Granite City Boxing Gym, 242 Fairview Rd, Ellenwood, GA.