George Solomon Harkness Sr.

On Monday, November 24, 2014, God called home a humble servant and true man of God, Mr. George S. Harkness, Sr. He was born January 28, 1930 in Abbeville, SC to the late Curtis Harkness, Sr and Sally Strather Harkness. He was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters: Curtis Jr, Joe, Grant, Ben, Jimmie, Ella and Deborah. He was a member of Flat Rock AME Church in Due West, SC. He attended and graduated from the public schools of Abbeville County. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Education from Allen University in Columbia, SC and his Masters of Education from South Carolina State University. He completed additional studies toward a doctoral degree at the University of South Carolina and Hampton University. He was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. George was united in holy matrimony to his life partner, Hazel E. Johnson Harkness. for 61 years. To this union, six children were born. Soon after marrying, the young couple joined Chappelle Memorial AME Church. While attending Chappelle Memorial AME Church, he served on the Steward Board, Superintendent of the Sunday school, Finance Committee, Lay Organization and was selected as Man of the Year and several other recognitions for his service at the church during his 60+ years of membership. Mr. Harkness started his teaching career in Abbeville, SC where he was also a basketball coach. He later moved to Columbia, SC and began working for the Richland County School District One as a teacher and eventually a Principal. He is well remembered for his work at Webber Elementary School in Eastover, SC and McCants Elementary in Columbia, SC. He retired from Richland County School District One after over 25 years of dedicated & excellent service to educating the young minds of students in South Carolina. George increased his dedication and time to his true call – service as a Lay leader in the great African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) and supporter of his beloved alma mater – Allen University. Mr. Harkness also shared this passion for empowering and encouraging the community through his Silver Life Membership in the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP). Mr. Harkness leaves behind to cherish his life and memories a devoted wife, Hazel Johnson Harkness; four sons: George S. (Joyce) Fayetteville, GA; Tim F. (Bonita) Columbia, SC; Mark R. (Kim) Acworth, GA; Richard “Kip” (Cathy) Moncks Corner, SC; two daughters: Jennifer “Dottie” (Morris Jr) Powder Springs, GA and Lori of Charlotte, NC; seventeen grandchildren: Mark II, Sherita, Kayla, George III, Curtis, Derek, Richard Daniel, Rick II, Jordan, Hazel, Jamal, Matthew, Morris III “Tre”, B’Nard, Lizzie, Jamal and Apryl; one sister: Ms. Qualardeen Pressley of Coney Island, NY; three sister-in-laws: Ruth Harkness (Due West, SC), Maggie Harkness (Eastover, SC) and Edna Harkness (Elmont, NY); and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Services for George S. Harkness, Sr. will be held 11:00 am Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Reid Chapel AME Church, 6100 David Street, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends 6-8 Friday, November 28, 2014 at Palmer Memorial Chapel.

George Solomon Harkness Sr.

January 28, 1930 - November 24, 2014