Joseph "Joe" Harris

Joseph Belknap Harris, 99, died April 19, 2026, with family by his side in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Harris was born September 11, 1926, in Thomson, Georgia to Waldo Putnam Harris, II and Mary Fluker Harris. He was the fourth of eight children.

Joe graduated from Darlington School in 1944 and went on to Emory University to major in biology, taking a break from his education to serve in World War II. Inducted into the US Army in March 1945, he served in the occupation of Japan from October 1945 to October 1946. Duties included deactivation with the 77th Infantry Division in Sapporo and serving as a medical supply NCO in Sendai. He was honorably discharged in December 1946.

After completing his bachelor’s degree at Emory, he was accepted to the University of Georgia to study botany. While at UGA, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Leinbach, and they married in 1952 upon completion of his master’s degree. He completed his PhD, also in botany, at Duke University in 1959.

Over the years, he worked at Young Harris College as an instructor in biology and chemistry, spent time as a research scientist for the US Department of Agriculture, and served as professor and head of the biology department at Coker College. The majority of his career was dedicated to serving as a professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. His research focused on plant physiology and aging, and he mentored many students who kept in contact with him throughout the years, even after his retirement in 1992. In fact, a former student, Dr. Anthony Ogundipe established a scholarship at UW-SP in Dr. Harris’ name. His interests extended beyond basic science, and he organized symposia to discuss ethical considerations related to the advancement of the sciences. He also taught a peace studies course.

Prior to and after retirement to his hometown in Washington, Georgia, he was active in church life, including lay leadership roles. In retirement, he was involved in numerous organizations including Faith in Action, Rotary International, Georgia Council on Aging, Lifelong Learning in

Retirement, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Kettle Creek Battlefield Association. Joe was an eternal optimist and not afraid to take on big projects, even running for election to the Georgia state legislature. He was always focused on making the world a better place, emphasizing the need for Christian service and devotion to children, as well as the elderly and individuals with disabilities, not just in his community but around the world.

Dr. Harris is survived by his brother, Rev. John S. Harris (Colleen); daughter, Jennifer Marwitz (Brad); son, George Harris (Peggy); grandchildren, Shannon Marwitz (Chris Madland), Leah Rowlett (Michael), Jacob Harris (Dakota), Dylan Russell, Shawn Russell, and Johnathan Russell (Melissa); great grandchildren, Elliott Madland, Bella and Liam Harris, and Aliyah, Brennan and Emma Russell; as well as numerous nephews, nieces and other close relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Dot) Leinbach Harris; sisters Ruth Emerson Harris and Jane Harris Wright; and brothers Rev. Waldo P. Harris, III; W. Henry Harris; Rev. J. Robert Harris; and Thomas M. Harris.

The family would like to thank his primary caregivers, Lashanda McClellan and Revonda McCrayer, as well as Southeast Hospice for the care they provided.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hawaii Baptist Academy, Washington-Wilkes Humane Animal Shelter, or to the Washington-Wilkes Salvation Army (checks should be sent to The Salvation Army, 808 Spring St, Washington GA 30673).