A. Cecil Harris

Amos Cecil Harris peacefully passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 97. He was born on October 13, 1927, in Forest City, North Carolina, to Gaither and Lillie Gamble Harris. A proud American and member of the Greatest Generation, Cecil served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1945 to 1947. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Class of 1952, and later from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. Cecil began his distinguished banking career in 1965 with Citizens and Southern National Bank in Atlanta, where he served as Assistant Vice President. In 1972, he joined First Alabama Bank in Birmingham as Vice President, rising to Senior Vice President. His leadership journey continued when, in 1982, he became President of First Alabama Bank in Selma. In 1985, he was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, positions he held until his retirement-first as President and CEO in December 1992 and finally as Chairman in April 1995. Throughout his career, Cecil was a dedicated civic leader and tireless advocate for economic and community development. He helped establish and served as Chairman and Board Member of the Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority. He also chaired the Alabama Governor's Regional Economic Development Advisory Board for Region 6, encompassing ten counties. His service extended to many organizations in Selma and across Alabama. He chaired the boards of the Selma Medical Center Hospital, the Performing Arts Center of Dallas County, and the Gerald R. Ford Endowment for the Arts. Additionally, he served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, The Sturdivant Museum, Wallace Community College Foundation, Selma Quarterback Club, and the Selma Country Club. Cecil was also a life member of Alpha Kappa Psi and served as a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Selma. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Gaither and Lillie Harris; his first wife, Alice Smith Harris; his brothers, James, Ernest, and Frank Harris; and his sisters, Dot Culbertson, Shirley Tomblin, Lucy Harris, and Olema Harris. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Harris; his children, Tommy (Pam) Inman, Susie (Richard) King, and Amy Boehms; his grandchildren, Britt (Veronika) Inman, Ben (Kirsten) Inman, Brooke (Ryan) Owens, and Thomas Goldberg; and five cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephew, Mike (Lisa) Harris, and nieces, Mary Kathryn Taylor and Karen Harris. In 2007, Cecil and Susan were married, and he relocated from Clinton, North Carolina to Newnan, Georgia. There, he became an active member of the First United Methodist Church, the Newnan R.O.M.E.O.s (Retired Old Men Eating Out), and the White Oak Country Club. A lifelong Tar Heel fan and avid golfer, Cecil was proud to often shoot his age on the course. He delighted in dining out with family and friends, spending time on the patio, enjoying an afternoon cocktail, and driving his signature black Cadillac. A gifted storyteller with a warm smile and an uplifting spirit, Cecil will be remembered for his generosity, his optimism, and the kindness he shared so freely with everyone he met. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Newnan First United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 24th, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM, and a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newnan First United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels, or your favorite charity. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

A. Cecil Harris

October 13, 1927 - May 20, 2025