County real estate developer Doodle Harris dies

Obituary for George Dana "Doodle" Harris

George Dana "Doodle" Harris was born at home June 8, 1943 in Crestview Fla. He made his transition from his earthly life to his heavenly life on May 7, 2008 after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He died peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast surrounded by his loving family.

Doodle was preceded in death by his mother, Corrine "Smokie" Mellica and stepfather Mario "Mel" Mellica; his father, H.H. "Bill" Harris Jr.; grandparents, H.H. Sr. and Gladys Harris; George M. and Pearl Davis; brother Mickey Mellica; and his namesake George T. "Doodle" Davis.

Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, Linda F. Harris who helped him battle this disease for years and provided the much needed comfort he deserved during this time; his son, George Dana Doodle "Buddy" Harris III; daughter Bambi Harris, daughter and son-in-law Brandey & Pete Barton, and daughter Mande Harris. He had three wonderful grandchildren: Nicole Henson, Ansley Barton and Harris Barton whom he loved dearly. His very special friend, Gary Cook "Cookie". And his most constant companion, a french bulldog named Bugsy. 

Also surviving are Doodle's brothers and their families: Skipper (Phyllis) Harris, their son Bubba and daughter Sabra and her son Hayden (Doodle's Little pal); Ric Harris; David (daughter Macon) Harris; Larry (Jan) Harris (Son Tony); sister Kathy (Tim) Facius (daughters Amy and Allison); nephews; Jason and Josh Mellica; Jen and daughter Lexy; and his Aunt Delores Davis Fountain. 

Doodle graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in June 1961. After graduation, he attended Louisiana Tech, Auburn, and The University of Hawaii. Doodle then went into business for himself and after several retail ventures he found his true passion in real estate and land development. Doodle became noted throughout West Florida for creating "Doodle Deals" and using these to buy and sell acreage on Holiday Isle in Destin. Lake Lorraine Golf & Country Club in Shalimar and the Dana point development in Niceville were some of the first projects of his long career. The project he is most proud of is the purchase of the Barber Tract in South Walton County where he positioned Seacrest Beach development on County Road 30A. Doodle was responsible for several other developments in both Okaloosa and Walton counties, opening up great potential and possibilities for growth in the Northwest Florida communities.

Doodle was a well known philanthropist providing beautiful bronze sculptures for Choctawhatchee High, Walton High, Butler Elementary, and Bay Elementary schools. He opened the first surf shop in the area and was a sports enthusiast, but he never did master the game of poker. He loved Auburn University, and a big "War Eagle!" was often used in his daily language.

Doodle loved his family and put them first in his life. His mother, Smokie, was his greatest inspiration, molding him into the loving family and civic minded man that he became. He always had a kind word and a friendly smile for everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. 

Visitation will be at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, N. E., Fort Walton Beach, on May 12, from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Faith Assembly Christian Church in Miramar Beach, on Tuesday, May 13, at 1 p.m., with burial in Gulf Cemetery, Santa Rosa Beach. You may express condolences at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com