Thomas Michael Harris

He lived a life marked by steady work, bold horizons, and a deep respect for the natural world—qualities that shaped both his career and the way he loved the people around him.

Mike graduated from Jordan High School in 1970 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Columbus College in 1978. He was granted his CPA Certificate from the University of Georgia in 1980, a credential that reflected the discipline and determination he brought to everything he undertook.

In 1981, Mike opened Harris and Company, CPA in Columbus, GA, serving as President and Owner. For decades, he prepared taxes for residents and businesses throughout Columbus and the surrounding areas, taking genuine pride in understanding tax law and offering practical guidance grounded in broad business knowledge. His work ethic was matched by a generous instinct to help others find their footing; over the years, he guided several family members as they opened businesses of their own. Mike retired in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of diligence, counsel, and example.

Mike was formerly married to Susan Dowling for 15 years, and together they had four children. After their divorce in 1985, he remained unmarried, yet enjoyed many long and fulfilling relationships throughout his life.

Outside of work, Mike’s adventurous spirit found its truest expression on the water. He often said he chose his profession because “The busy season ends on April 15th, and that’s perfect timing for the start of Red Snapper fishing season.” The irony is not lost on those who loved him that his passing came on April 16th—just in time, as his family would say, to reach the heavenly waters for fishing season. He treasured deep-sea fishing in the Florida Panhandle and spoke with particular pride of one epic trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. In his younger years, he also spent time deer and turkey hunting and fishing on his grandparents’ land and pond in Harris County, GA, learning early the patience and resilience that would remain with him for life.

Known to many as Captain Panama Mike—and to his grandchildren as “Captain Granddaddy Big Boat”—Mike loved nothing more than days on the ocean, casting lines and reeling in “the big ones,” with the size of the fish growing a little more impressive with each retelling. A survivalist at heart, he taught his children practical skills and, more importantly, the value of respecting nature and receiving its quiet steadiness. He reminded his family, “Life is better at the beach, and if you come here [to the beach], the worries and stress of life stay back at home. When you look at the ocean and hear the waves, it washes your worries away and brings back peace.” He also lived by the conviction that “You are the captain of your own ship,” encouraging those he loved to trust themselves and steer their lives with courage.

Mike loved animals of every kind. He adored his dog, Baby, and over the years also cared for his former pet owl, “Mr. Hoot,” and even a neighborhood raccoon he fed regularly. His warmth and humor showed up in the smallest details—many holiday and birthday cards were signed from him and “All animals, fish, children, and grandchildren,” a sentiment that captured how wide his circle of affection truly was.

Mike believed in “The Big Man Upstairs,” though he was rarely found in a church; he felt closest to God in nature. Though he didn’t speak of it often, he was a man who looked to faith as a steady compass, especially on the open water. He often recounted a story of being stranded at sea for several days, and how—after a prayer and opening his last remaining hot beer on board—an idea came to him to bring life back to the battery, allowing him to return the boat and its passengers safely to shore. In his telling, God was always the one who brought him home from his deep-sea adventures.

Near his home in Panama City Beach, Florida, Mike was a familiar presence at favorite local restaurant bars such as Newby’s, Schooners, and Alibi, where his easy manner and bright smile made him a friend to anyone, he happened to meet. He believed “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” and he had a gift for making people feel welcomed and included—often treating friends of his family as family themselves. He never hesitated to say, “I love you,” and when visits ended, loved ones could count on hearing his signature farewell: “Wish you could staaaaay!”

Mike is survived by his maternal Aunt Betty Jean Waugaman (Palm Coast, FL); his children Angela Michelle Crane, Christophor Michael Harris (Tabi), Eric Brian Harris (Doan), and Ashleigh Nichole Harris; his 14 grandchildren Lauren (Tyler), Holly (Steve), Michael, Whitney (Stephen), Tiffiny, Nikki, Cody (Melissa), Leah, Rebecca, Brian, Tristin, Gavin, Memphis, and Liam; his 18 great-grandchildren; his niece and two nephews; and his long-time best friend and fishing buddy, “Bullet”.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Taylor; his father, Russell Eugene Harris; his brother, Kenneth E Harris; his sister, Carol “Buddy” Lynn Harris; and his nephew, Kenneth “Kicker” E. Harris, Jr.

A memorial service is being planned for early May 2026 at Striffler-Hamby in Columbus, GA. Details to follow.