J.H. Walker Harris, MD

J.H. Walker Harris, MD, 89, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away May 30, 2018, in his home surrounded by loved ones. Dr. Harris’ family will hold a private graveside service on Saturday, June 2, 2018. Friends and loved ones are welcome to attend memorial services held at The First Baptist Church of Columbus, Porter Chapel on June 11, 2018, at 11:00 am with Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating.

Born Joseph Henry Walker Harris on January 20, 1929, in New Orleans to the late Mary Louise Walker and Dr. Rufus C. Harris, Harris would follow his father’s footsteps and pursue excellency after his 1946 graduation from Isadore Newman High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. After earning his B.S. and M.D. degree from Tulane University and completing his internship with St. Joseph’s hospital in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Harris would enter the U.S. Navy. His time in the Navy was adventurous, for sure. He would accomplish many feats including but not limited to: becoming a flight surgeon, going to Antarctica during Deep Freeze II, being the first plane to fly in with the Admiral to land on wheel on the Antarctic ice, and was a physician at Little America and McMurdo Sound for six months. Following two and a half years of dedicated service, he would be honorable discharged and marry his loving sweetheart, Elvy Larsson, in 1956. The two would build a loving home for themselves and their three children: Charles, Inger, and Sally. From 1957-1960, Dr. Harris would complete his Radiology Residency with Ochsner Clinic and Hospital which included a six month residency with Charity Hospital in New Orleans.

Dr. Harris accomplished much in the medical field. He took post-graduate courses at Cornell University in the 60s and developed a technique for arthrography and would later become the first to do shoulder and knee arthrography in Georgia. He was awarded Fellowship in American College of Radiology in 1972. Following his Radiology Residency as Ochsner Clinic, he remained and developed mammography techniques utilizing industrial field. He was the first to do mammography in Louisiana and when moved to Columbus, Georgia, in 1963, he was the first to develop a mammography technique in the area. He became the Head of the Department of Radiology for twenty years at St. Francis Hospital, was the President of Radiology Associates of Columbus for ten years, and the Secretary of Georgia Radiological Society for two years before becoming president for a year. He was a member of many social and professional organizations throughout his life in Columbus, New Orleans, and Highlands, North Carolina, including Beta Theta Pi fraternity; Phi Chi medical fraternity, American College of Radiology, AMA, Southern Medical Association, Southern Radiologic Conference, Radiological Society of North American, Muscogee County and Georgia Medical Society, Audubon Society, and Lynn Haven Wildlife Garden Club.

It wasn’t always all work and no play for Dr. Harris. When he wasn’t spending time with his loved ones or friends, you could find him playing or watching tennis. In which he won his high school championship in Louisiana, several state junior tournaments, and was ranked the number six player in the south before even playing on Tulane University’s team. After becoming captain of his team, he was the twice finalist in the Southeastern Conference Championships. Later in life, he won the doubles in International Medical Tennis Tournament in age 45 division in Naples, Italy, and was a finalist in singles. In 1992, he was ranked number two in Georgia for the age 60 division and number four in the South in doubles. He would later dedicate three years of playing on a winning Georgia team in Southern Senior Club matches. Other athletic endeavors included football, softball, and track in high school. He was also a City Ping-Pong Champion of New Orleans. Other hobbies of Dr. Harris’ were fishing, hunting, gardening, and travel.

Along with his parents, Walker is preceded in death by: his siblings, Rufus C. Harris, Jr and Louie K. Harris.

Survivors include: his loving and devoted wife, Elvy Larsson Harris; children, Charles Walker (Rachel) Harris, Sally H. (Stephen) Wyche, Inger Larsson Harris; grandchildren, Natalie Ann Wyche and Sarah Walker Wyche. Dr. Harris also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Dr. Harris’ family would like to take a moment to express their extreme gratitude to his caregivers Linda Baldwin, Murl Smith, Jaz Coar, and many others.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Harris’ family asks that donations be made in J.H. Walker Harris’ honor to either William Harris Homestead Foundation, 3636 GA HWY 11 Monroe, Georgia, 30656 and/or First Baptist Church of Columbus, 212 12th Street Columbus, Georgia, 31901.

Offers of condolences and warm memories may be shared with the Harris family at www.shcolumbus.com