HOWARD ARCHIE HARRIS

Mr. Howard Archie Harris, youngest son of Elder Horace Edward Harris and Lela Wells Harris was born August 19, 1942, in Washington County in the Florida Panhandle. He passed away April 7, 2025, at Bonifay Nursing and Rehab. He attended Holmes County Elementary School grades one through six, then transferred to Vernon High School for grades seven through twelve graduating with honors. He attended Chipola College for a year, then served in the US Army from 1961 to November 13, 1964. On June 5, 1964, he married Brenda Jones. To this union one son Jonathan was born on June 2, 1969. Once discharged from the Army he worked as an airplane mechanic at Fort Rucker Alabama until June 1970. During that time, he also worked for about six months as a disc jockey at radio station WBGC in Chipley, Florida.

He entered the insurance business in 1970 and in January 1981 opened his own agency where he worked with close friend Cameron Pouncey. In December 2015 the office was closed. Howard then worked a few more months at home before he retired.

Howard joined the Bonifay Kiwanis Club in March 1981 and at various times was the program chairman, vice president, and president from 1989-1990. He also served as president of Holmes County Chamber of Commerce in 1989 and president of the Holmes County Homecoming organization. He served on the Boards of Directors for the Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, and the Washington-Holmes ARC. He served two terms as a scholarship foundation trustee for the Washington-Holmes Vo-Tech College.

Howard was a firm believer in the Primitive Baptist teachings. He joined Bethel Primitive Baptist Church on June 19, 1960. He was ordained to the office of deacon on September 2, 1973, along with Aaron Todd and Carlton Wells. Howard served as Church Clerk and Treasurer for several years.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Kenneth Harris and Elder Ralph Harris and a special uncle Archie Harris.

Mr. Harris is survived by his wife of 60 years, Brenda Jones Harris; one son, Jonathan Harris; one granddaughter, Samantha; his sister-in-law, Melba Harris Smith; his nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be he held 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church with Elders Rick Bicknell and J.C. Stanaland officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Peel Funeral Home and Bonifay Crematory in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 AM at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church.