Tifton First Methodist Church is pleased to recognize and honor the dedication, service, and hard work of Harris Tucker. We will honor Harris during both the 9:00 and 11:00 services this Sunday, July 27 as after several decades of assisting in leading the ministry at Tifton First, Harris is stepping down as the Director of Media Operations. For many years Harris has been responsible for the audio-visual component and television ministry of Tifton First Methodist.
According to Harris’ son Britt, Harris is a life-long south Georgian, having been reared in nearby Nashville. Following his high school graduation, Harris earned a degree in education from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro.
Starting his career as a Physical Science teacher, Harris gradually transitioned into the role of technology expert with the Tift County School System, eventually becoming and retiring as the system’s Director of Technology.
Meanwhile, Harris was sharing his expertise in technology with the congregation of Tifton First Methodist and the surrounding community. Beginning in the late 1970s, Harris began assisting with the broadcast of Tifton First services first on the radio and then on local television.
In addition to the broadcast responsibilities, Harris gently led the Tifton First staff into the era of computer technology, assisting with internet and email capabilities. He was also the soundman for the multitude of musical groups that performed in and around Tifton First.
“You say, “servant heart” and I picture Harris Tucker,” said Tifton First Senior Pastor Chip Grantham. “He was always serving others. He was the invisible person who did everything. He set everything up, and took everything down, usually by himself. Many times he was running lights, sound, cameras, slides, the television and streaming all by himself. Then he took the footage home and edited it for quality and time content before sending it to the cable tv provider. Anytime I asked for a volunteer to do something, Harris was volunteering.”
Harris’ giving spirit was not only shared on the campus of Tifton First, but around the world as well, as he was a member of several international mission teams. In addition to duties such as teaching bible school and making sandwiches for the local communities, Harris would also put his camera skills to use.
“He documented our trips and work there through photography, always bringing his work back to share with the congregation,” said Tifton First Missions Chair Joy West, who was with Harris on trips to both Peru and Ecuador.
“I remember him taking family portraits of families in villages in Peru, printing them off and giving them to the families. They were so appreciative as they had never had a family portrait. Harris has a huge heart for missions.”
According to Chip, whether he was behind a camera or camcorder or soundboard, Harris was involved in almost every ministry of this church in one way or another.
“The thing that always amazed me about Harris,” said Chip, “ was how he managed to keep all of the plates he was juggling up in the air, without letting one fall to the ground.
“He not only took the church from radio to cable television, and then to the internet, he oversaw two major renovations to the sanctuary and social hall sound systems, including the addition of lighting, cameras, and projectors. And while he was always tinkering and making us better, he was doing the same thing for Tift County’s schools, helping every teacher and administrator who asked. And in all of that, his wife Vickie and son Britt, his dad and sister were always his major focus. I really don’t know how he managed to do all that he did, and do it as well as he did!”
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