Clayton Jackson Harris

Clayton Jackson Harris died peacefully at his home in Taylorsville, Georgia, on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was known to his grandchildren as Pop-o and many others simply as C.J.

Clayton was born on February 20, 1931, in Stilesboro, Georgia, a small community between Cartersville and Taylorsville. A proud member of the Euharlee Historical Society, he would want everyone to know exactly where Stilesboro is located. He was born to a farming family rooted in the area since at least 1837, and he began helping with farm operations at an early age and continued through his adulthood. He graduated from Taylorsville School in 1948.

He accepted Christ as his savior in 1951 and was baptized in Euharlee Creek on August 26, 1951, at which time he became a member of Taylorsville Baptist Church. He later served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Baptist Training Union Director, and Boy Scout Troop Leader at the church. He remained a member of the church until his death, and was active as long as he was physically able. His life is a testament to his faith, and the fruits of his faith were clear to everyone who knew him.

In 1952, he joined John W. Akin Masonic Lodge #537 F&AM, where he remained a member for nearly 74 years. He served as an officer for 70 of those years, including four terms as Master, 25 years as secretary, and 28 years as treasurer, among other offices. He also served as the Historian and Director of Work at John W. Akin Lodge. He was a Past Master of the Bartow County Masonic Convention, a charter member of the Bartow County Low 12 Club (and its secretary for many years) and was the chairman of the committee that purchased the Farmer’s Supply Building where John W. Akin Lodge is now located. Finally, Clayton served the Grand Lodge of Georgia F&AM on various committees over the years. Clayton was regarded as one of the most knowledgeable Freemasons in Georgia concerning the history of the craft, its philosophy and principles, and its rites.

He served in the United States Army on Active Duty from April 19, 1954, to March 10, 1956, at which time he entered reserve status. During his active service, he spent most of his time in the Signal Corps in Daegu (formerly Taegu) and Uijeongbu. He was responsible for ensuring communications were transmitted to officers and troops in the field. While serving in Korea, he remained committed to the principles of his Christian faith, Freemasonry, and charitable activities by supporting the Masonic Orphanage in Daegu through his involvement in the Taegu Masonic Club.

Clayton entered the banking business in 1956 when he obtained employment at the Bank of Taylorsville. He began learning bookkeeping, operating the teller station, and eventually became the Executive Vice President and CEO of the bank. During his tenure in banking, he remained committed to serving the community of Taylorsville, ensuring that members of the community had sufficient access to credit to support their farms and families through the season until harvest time. His philosophy on banking was that small farmers’ banks like the Bank of Taylorsville were meant to serve and support the community to help it and its residents prosper, not simply extract a profit for the shareholders of the bank. After retiring from banking, he obtained his real estate license and worked for Auctions United for 10 years, selling property throughout the Southeast. During his tenure in banking and real estate, he touched many lives, enabling families to acquire property, build homes, and maintain their farms.

During retirement, he pursued many hobbies and remained active in Freemasonry. He also spent a lot of time studying his family’s genealogy, and the history of Taylorsville, Georgia, the surrounding towns and communities, and Bartow County and Georgia generally. He was a member of and contributor to the work of both the Etowah and Euharlee Historical societies, and contributed to published histories of Bartow County towns, including the Etowah Valley Historical Society’s Oral History Project and the Euharlee Historical Society’s History of Euharlee. Clayton was regarded as one of the most knowledgeable people on the history of Taylorsville, Euharlee, and Stilesboro, among other cities and towns in the area.

Of course, in retirement, he cherished the time he spent with his brothers and sister, children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Finally, he was a lifelong fan of baseball generally and the Atlanta Braves specifically.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 41 years, Betty Sue Harris; his mother, Vera Beatrice Jackson (“Granny”) Harris; his father, Rena Ozell Harris Sr.; his brothers, Charles William Harris Sr. and Hubert John Harris; and his sisters, Mary Elizabeth Harris, Vera Beatrice Harris, Rexie Harris, and Joan Harris.

He is survived by his brother, Rena Ozell Harris Jr.; his sons William Clayton Harris, James Floyd “Skipper” Fulford, and Joseph Stephen Fulford; and his daughters Mary Haney (Bobby), Sandy Altman (Kenny), and Ann Lowe (George). His grandchildren include: Keela Gill, Lance Haney (Lacey), Adrienne Lowe, Allison Sweat (Dusty), Cory Lowe (Krista), Jacob Altman, Jackson Harris (Leesa Marie); and Kyle, Benjamin, and Austin Haney. Finally, his great-grandchildren include: Gracie and Clayton James Gill; Emersyn Ruth, Edyn Rose, and Ellis Laue Haney; Jackson and Joshua Altman; Madison, Isabella, and Tucker Sweat; Lukas and Logan Parrott; Mary Elliott and Henry Harris; and Piper and Clayton Jackson Lowe.

In a 2010 interview for the Etowah Valley Historical Society’s Oral History Project, Clayton said he hoped to be remembered for being good to his family, making many friends throughout his life, and his belief in honest dealing.

His life was marked by faith, friendship, service, and integrity. The legacy he leaves in his family and community will not be forgotten.

Funeral services for Clayton will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Taylorsville Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Harris officiating and Mr. Cory Lowe delivering the eulogy. His family will receive family and friends at the church on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins.

Weather permitting, friends and family are invited to attend the Masonic Funeral Rites and graveside service at the cemetery near Brandon’s Chapel in Stilesboro, Georgia.

The family would love to extend a special thank you to the staff of Amedisys Hospice and Alzeda and Vicky for your exceptional care of Clayton.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Clayton Jackson Harris.