George "Woody" Woodruff Harris Jr.

He was born on July 14th, 1931 in Ridgeland, SC to parents George W. Harris Sr. and Sarah “Etta” Harris Altman. Helen (sister) was born five years later. Their family lived in several locations in Jasper County SC. He grew up surrounded by extended family and many of his favorite memories involved large family gatherings, fishing, and hunting with his uncles and cousins.

He later attended Clemson University, where he obtained a BS degree studying Agricultural Economics, and loved cheering on Clemson football. He joined the US Air Force where he served honorably during the Korean War. He served in Fairbanks, AK and always wanted to go back to visit.

He met his wife Mildred Ann “Midge” Polk in Walterboro, SC. They were married on July 26, 1963, in Grays, SC. Woody loved hunting, fishing, and farming. You could always find him visiting the local farmer’s market or in his garden tending to the vegetables he grew on his 3-acre property. When he introduced himself to others he would always say “Hi, I’m George of the Jungle!”

Woody fought a battle with dementia his last few years, but you could still always find him spending time with his family, saying a prayer, or reading his Bible. He read his Bible until it began to fall apart. It brought him so much peace and comfort, and his family now takes comfort in knowing they will one day be reunited in Heaven.

Woody is preceded in death by his father, George Sr., his mother Etta, and sister Helen Spurgeon (Salem, IN). He is survived by his faithful and loving wife Midge, children: Patty Harris, George (Mary Ann) Harris, Julie (Dan) Buckner, and Angela (Michael) Wills, 12 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and another on the way.

Woody loved God and his family more than anything, even in his final days he would wake to say “I love you.” He prayed that his family would love one another, love Jesus, and that they would always be taken care of. He looked forward to greeting Jesus and those who are waiting for him in Heaven.

Woody’s final resting place will be the Marion National Cemetery. Graveside services will be held on April 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Military Honors.