REV. JAMES CANTY - PASTOR 
REV. R. A. LAWRENCE - OFFICIATING 
INTERMENT - HAGAN CEMETERY 
Eulogistic Services 
FOR 
Deacon Arbertee Harris 
FEBRUARY 25, 1923 JANUARY 17, 1988 
First African M. Baptist 
Church 
CLAXTON, GEORGIA 
Thursday, Jan. 21,1988 
1:00 P. M. 
OBITUARY 
Mr. Arbertee Harris was born in Tattnail 
County, Georgia on February 25, 1923 to the late 
Mrs. Virginia, Brewton. He departed this life on 
January 17,1988 at Evans Memorial Hospital after a 
short illness. 
On July 31, 1943, he was united in Holy 
Matrimony to Lily Mae Graham. To this union five 
children were born. Most of his early life was spent 
in Tattnall County, Georgia. He served in the U. S. 
Army for a number of years. He was a member of 
Oak Grove Methodist Church, Manassas, Georgia, 
before uniting with his family at First Africian 
Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and 
past Church treasurer. His many community service 
involvements included the following; Master Mason 
and past treasurer of St. Joseph Lodge #76, Member 
of Ezra Consistory, #27, Savannah, Ga., Member of 
Royal Arch, Chartered Member of the Gladiators, 
Member of the Knights of Moses, Member of the 
local NAACP. 
He [eaves td mourn a loving wife, Mrs. Lily Mae 
Harris; five daughters, Mrs. Harvesteen H. Tovain, 
Brookeville, Md., Mrs. Arberdeen H. Gamble, 
Philadelphia, Pa., Ms. Sylvia Harris and Ms. Eileen 
Harris both of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. Patricia 
Jackson, Atlanta, Georgia; four sisters, Mrs. Eula 
Mae Bryant, Buffalo, N. Y., Mrs. Avannah Hall and 
Mrs. Grace Glaude both of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. 
Maurine Gamble of Philadelphia, Pa.; father-in-law, 
Mr. Richard Graham, Sr.; two sons-in-law, Mr. 
Bradford Tovain and Mr. R. C. Jackson; one 
sister-in-law, Mrs. Mae Francis Russell; five 
brothers-in-law, Mr. Henry Bryant, Mr. Walter 
Gamble, Mr. Richard Graham, Jr., Mr. Samuel 
Graham, Mr. Bascoe Glaude; ten grandchildren, 
Tony, Kelvin, Crystal, Diane, Lynn, Merissa, Joy, 
Lynn, R. C. and Nosta; one great-grandchild; one 
adopted daughter, Mrs. Sandra Boggs; several 
nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and 
friends. 
ORDER OF SERVICE 
Processional 
Presiding........................Rev. James Canty 
Hymn...............What a Friend We Have in Jesus 
Prayer 
Scripture 
Old Testament.............Rev. James Benjamin 
New Testament...............Rev. J. C. Williams 
Selection 
Expressions.......... 
As We Knew Him 
Deacon........... 
Gladiator ....... 
Mason........... 
......(2 Minutes Please) 
____Dea. Willie Lee Hall 
........Mr. C. L. Bailey 
Bro. Sinclair Miller, WM 
____Mrs. Queen Jackson 
A Citizen............Mayor Perry Lee DeLoach 
A Church Worker...........Dea. Freddie Geiger 
As I Knew Him ............Dea. Thomas Hayes 
Resolution.....................Mrs. Louise Littles 
Acknowledgements............Mrs. Louise Wilkerson 
Selection...................Just One More Time 
Eulogy.........................Rev. R. A. Lawrence 
Viewing 
Benediction 
Recessional 
Masonic Rites at Graveside Burial 
PEOPLE LIKED HIM 
People liked him, not because 
He was rich or known to fame; 
He had never won applause 
As a star in any game. 
His was not a brilliant style, 
His was not a forceful way. 
But he had a gentle smile 
And a kindly word to say. 
Never arrogant or proud. 
On he went with manner mild; 
Never quarrelsome or loud, 
Just as simple as a child; 
Honest, patient, brave and true: 
Tbus he lived from day to day. 
Doing what he found to do 
In a cheerful sort of way. 
Wasnt one to boast of gold 
Or belittle it with sneers, 
Didnt change from hot to cold, 
Kept his friends throughout the years. 
Sort of man you like to meet 
Any time or any place. 
There was always something sweet 
And refreshing in his face. 
Sort of man youd like to be: 
Balanced well and truly square; 
Patient in adversity, 
Generous when his skies were fair. 
Never lied to friend or foe. 
Never rash in word or deed. 
Quick to come and slow to go 
In a neighbors time of need. 
Never rose to wealth or fame. 
Simply lived, and simply died. 
But the passing of his name 
Left a sorrow, far and wide. 
Not for glory hed attained. 
Nor for what he had of pelf, 
Were the friends that he had/ gained, 
But for what he was himself. 
Edgar A. Guest 
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS 
Dea. Robert Edwards Dea. Artis Mincey 
Dea. Freddie Geiger Dea. Rooseveit Everett 
Bro. Wiiiie Lee Haii Bro. Jessie Coiiins 
HONORARY PALLBEARERS 
Deacons of the Locai Churches 
St. Josephs Lodge No. 76 
Giadiators 
Royai Arch 
FLORAL ATTENDANTS 
Usherettes of Locai Churches 
Giadiette 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
The family wishes to acknowledge with deep 
sincerety the many acts of kindness expressed by 
their many friends and relatives. May God bless and 
keep you in His love and peace. 
The Family of the late Arbertee Harris 
Dinner Will Be Served In The Church Annex 
A 
Harpers Funeral Home Service 
125 N. Broad Street 
Harpers Funeral Home 
125 N. Broad Street 
Claxton, Georgia