Mr. L. Blane Harris, 74, of Ridge Road, Hartwell, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at his home.

Born on August 13, 1942 in Canton, OH, he was the son of the late Gartrell Harris and Velma Foster Harris.Mr. Harris received his Education Specialist degree from the University of Georgia.He was a retired principal of Hartwell Elementary School serving 27 years. He impacted thousands of lives over 37 years of teaching, coaching and being a principal. He served on the Hart County Board of Education for 4 years and was chairman for 2 years. He was a member of the Hartwell Lions Club where he served as President and as his favorite, tail twister. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Hartwell serving as an ordained deacon.

Survivors include his wife of over 50 years: Linda Haley Harris; one son: Kevin Blane Harris; two daughters: Lisa Harris Roberson (Rod), Kara Harris Deardorff (Clint); six grandchildren: Kalynn Jones, Spc. Tyler Harris (Kaitlyn), Lindsay Jones, Chelsea Harris, Maverick Jones and Aubrey Deardorff. Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: James Douglas Harris and one great-grandson: Leo Tristan Harris.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 28, 2017, at 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Hartwell with Dr. Hugh Kirby, Dr. Steve Albanese and Rev. Jerry Chitwood officiating.Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening. The family is at the home.Flowers are optional, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hartwell, 81 E. Howell St. Hartwell, GA or National Kidney Foundation of GA, 2951 Flowers Road South, Suite 211, Atlanta, GA 30341.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.