Donald E. Harris

Colonel Donald Earl Harris lived a life defined not only by longevity, but by steadiness of purpose, brilliance of invention, and dedication to family. For 97 years his commitment to duty shaped everything he did—first as a son of rural Georgia, then as a husband and father, and for 30 years as an officer in the United States Air Force, pioneering some of the most impactful technology of the twentieth century. He died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at his home in Athens, Georgia.

Don was born in Washington, Georgia, on September 29, 1928 and was raised by his parents Lathiel Earl Harris and Marjorie David Harris as an only child on his parents’ farm outside Union Point in Greene County.

After graduating from Union Point High School in 1946, Don attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. While at UGA, he had served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps while at UGA, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant. Ever the dutiful son, he returned to his parents’ farm intending to help his father run it.

An event halfway around the world changed the trajectory of his life. Only weeks after his graduation, North Korea invaded South Korea. The nation called Don to active duty, and after a cross country road trip and brief training, he boarded a ship in San Francisco bound for Tokyo. For the duration of the Korean conflict, he served his country’s defense in Japan.

For much of his Air Force career, Colonel Harris pioneered in a nascent field that we have come to know as “computers.” His early assignments took him from Japan to the Washington, D.C. area and back several times. While in D.C., he met his first wife, Aida Vazquez, and on their first date told her that he would marry her someday. Aida thought he was out of his mind. Nevertheless, they did marry on November 26, 1957.

Their only child, Richard, was born in 1963 while Don was stationed again in Japan at Fuchu Airbase, having risen by then to the rank of Major. The family then moved to Boulder, Colorado, where Don earned his master’s degree.

His brilliance and affable leadership would send his Air Force career on a path that would draw him at the centers of invention around the world and earn him reputation and rank. From 1965 to 1971, Lieutenant Colonel Harris was stationed at the Pentagon during the Vietnam War, charged with running the massive computer center in its basement. Promoted to full Colonel in 1971, he became the director of the Air Force Data Systems Design Center at Gunter AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. From there, the family spent three years in Mons, Belgium, at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE, NATO’s military headquarters). There, Colonel Harris was second in command of SHAPE’s Information Systems Division and also worked directly for NATO Commander Alexander Haig.

From 1978 to 1980, Colonel Harris served out the remainder of his military career at the headquarters of Air Force Logistics Command at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. He retired with 30 years of distinguished service in June 1980, returning to Athens, Georgia. His wife Aida passed away from breast cancer in 1991 after 33 years of marriage.

In November 1993, Donald married Shirley Young, and they lived happily together in Athens more than 32 years, traveling and embarking on various adventures until Donald was well into his 90s. Don passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at his home in Athens, Georgia surrounded by his loving family.

Donald is survived by his wife Shirley, his son Richard, his granddaughter Heather, his stepdaughter Carol DuShane and her husband Tony, their children Michelle (Jeff), Charlie, Shannon (Justin), Jon (Jennifer) and Cason (Nate) and numerous grandchildren.

Don enjoyed lifelong friends and acquaintances who will miss his smile, his gracious manner and outgoing and helpful personality. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Don’s church, Friendship Presbyterian Church, 8531 Macon Highway, Athens, Georgia 30606.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 am at Friendship Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Don will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements.