Joseph Harris Obituary

AIKEN, S.C.- Joseph Harris was born in Blockton, Ala. August 18, 1918, and raised in Birmingham, Ala. during the first half of the 1900's. He graduated from Birmingham Southern University just prior to World War II. Like all the men of his era, he served his country in the U.S. Army at remote stations in Canada, and later in India. Upon his return to Birmingham, he married Rosa Mary Stewart, and began a family. His first child was a girl named Lynne, followed two years later by a son, Stewart. He began his career as the headmaster of Birmingham University School for Boys, all the while writing poetry, short stories, and novels. In 1957, he accepted the headmaster position at Mead Hall in Aiken, S.C., and established a reputation for excellence in education that still stands today. Joseph Harris, 'Joe' to his friends, was published in literary publications worldwide culminating in the anthology of poetry titled 'Countries of the Mind&Oac ute;. He has been honored by 'Who's Who of America' and 'The Oxford Literary Society'. Joe Harris is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rosa Harris. She is a retired educator and accomplished cellist. She was a member of the Augusta Symphony for two decades. She also directed the music for numerous Aiken Playhouse productions. He is also survived by his daughter, Lynne Rachal, who resides in Washington, D.C. She is an accomplished artist, and mother of two boys, Sean and Brian Rachal. Joe was also great- grandfather to Laura and Tim Rachal. His son, Stewart, is a songwriter, composer, producer, and publisher in Nashville, Tenn. Joe Harris has been an inspiration to many, and continues in death to give great light to those who knew him. The family has asked that memorials in memory of Mr. Harris be made to Mead Hall School, 129 Pendleton St., NW, Aiken, S.C. 29081. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at noon at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Churc h, Aiken, SC, with the Reverend Leon C. Mozeliak officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Conaway, David Conaway, Brian Rachal, Bobby Harris, Glenn Harris, and Robert Harris. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Visit www.georgefuneral homes.com to sign the online condolence register and view the obituary. George Funeral Homes, Historic Downtown Chapel, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, S.C. 29801. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com