Ebby Harris

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel 4278 Lafayette Street Marianna, Florida 32446 850.482.2332 850.526.4153 fax EBBY HARRIS James Edward "Ebby" Harris died on October 17, 2014 after recently being diagnosed with cancer. He was born on September 25, 1934 in Marianna, Florida as the middle son of Hazel Scott Harris and James Floyd Harris. He attended Marianna Schools, grades 1 - 12 and played sports in high school. Upon graduation from Marianna High, he went to Washington, D.C. and worked for the FBI. When he returned, he attended the newly organized Chipola Junior College, then transferred to the University of Florida, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. At UF, he was a member of the Block & Bridle Club and the UF Livestock Judging Team, traveling the Southeast for intercollegiate competitions. Ebby was an Eagle Scout and camp counselor for many years. He was a member of the National Guard, 144th Transportation Company in Marianna and was Company Commander from 1963 - 1967. His service lasted over 20 years including one active duty deployment. He is still referred to as "Captain Harris" by the men who served under him. He retired as a Major in the US Army Reserve. In the mid 1970's, Ebby founded Marianna Toyota along with business partner, the late Frank Hudnall. He later sold the franchise. He was the Purchasing Manager for the Jackson County School Board for 17 years. Since his retirement from the School Board, he has worked part-time for 17 years as a funeral assistant for James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. Ebby also was a member of the Board of Directors for The Jackson County Teachers Credit Union for a number of years. Always civic-minded, Ebby was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Marianna and the Chipola Civic Club since 1965. He served as President and Secretary and was honored as Kiwanian of the Year several times. His trust as a leader is most evident in his appointment as Advisor to the President for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years where he held various positions on the Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, and the Facilities Planning Committee. He was a lifetime member of the Cliff Abbott Sunday School Class. Ebby loved his family, who fondly remember many camping and fishing expeditions, feeding the cattle and birthing piglets on the farm, trips to the beach and many other fun times together. He was a handy-man who could fix almost anything and he was a skilled wood-worker. He enjoyed catching and frying fish and was considered an expert hush-puppy maker! He enjoyed Gator football games and all things "Orange and Blue". Ebby and Jean enjoyed many vacation trips in their motor home with other couples. He was a man of honor, integrity, and character with an infectious smile and witty sense of humor. He gained the respect of all who met him. He was a father-figure and mentor to many - especially to his co-workers at James & Sikes Funeral Home who became his Second Family and whom he loved as his own. He was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Hazel Harris, older brother Frank and wife Sarah Bruce S. Harris, and younger brother Paul Harris; by his grandparents, J.I. and Addie Baxter Scott of Kynesville and Frank and Clara Harris of Marianna. His is survived by his wife of 58 years Jean Williams Harris, two daughters, Marsha H. Wise and husband, Greg Wise and Renea H. Hilton and husband, Dr. David Hilton. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Marshall Hilton of Perry, Florida and Janna Wise Isabella and husband Charles of Marietta, Georgia. He especially adored his new 4-month old great-grandson Charlie Isabella. Other survivors include nieces Sallie Mathis (Daryl), Fran Taylor (Chad), Mary Bruce Hamilton (Tommy), and nephew Scott Harris (Ginger) all of Marianna, neice Jenny Harris of Phoenix, Arizona, and Sister-in-law Sally James Harris of Atlanta, Georgia. The family requests that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Marianna - Facilities Planning Fund. Ebby was passionate about this project and it's mission. Family will receive friends, Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 5 to 7 in the evening at the Wesley Center at the First United Methodist Church (next to the Marianna Post Office). Funeral services are Monday, October 20, 2014 at 10:00 in the morning at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Bill Elwell officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel of Marianna directing. Serving as Pallbearers are Jordan Sikes, Jonathan Sikes, Chad Bright, Ty Daniels, Joey McCaskill, Rex Wimberly. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Chipola Civic Club; Cliff Abbott and Bobby Sims. The family extends gratitude for the compassionate care of Dr. Steven Spence, Dr. Richard Christopher, the third floor nurses and the staff of Jackson Hospital.