Mr. Harris was a native of Early County, born near Cedar Springs in 1927 and later moving to the Allen Chapel Community. He completed high school and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Albany State College in 1949. He began teaching at Washington High School in Early County in 1949 and later earned his Master of Arts Degree in School Administration from Atlanta University. Mr. Harris also completed coursework at Florida A&M University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Kentucky. Other than a brief tour of duty in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, Mr. Harris continued his work in the Early County School System.

Mr. Harris's professional career included:

1949 - 1951: Teacher at Washington High School

1951 - 1956: Principal at Carver Elementary and High School

1956 - 1960: Principal at Kestler Elementary and High School

1960 - 1970: Principal at Washington Elementary and High School

1970 - 1989: Principal at Early County Middle School

On March 15, 1981, the Early County Board of Education named and dedicated the Middle School Media Center in honor of Mr. John R. Harris.