William E. Harris Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on October 17, 2008 at the age of 88 years. He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his sons: William (Teresa) Harris, Phillip Harris, John (Carolyn) Harris and his daughters: Susan (Bruce) Burton, Linda Harris, Evelyn (Phil) Buell, and Nancy Street, 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Hazel Gohr, Ruby Jean Barber and Betty Lou Waterman and brothers J.D. Harris and John P. Harris. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Norma of 54 years, his parents Earl and Orpha Harris, his sister Lucile Semadeni and brother Thurman Harris. Born in Frederick, OK, Bill grew up in Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado. He graduated from Dove Creek High School in 1938, and attended Fort Lewis College, Hesperus, CO. In October 1941, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Sixth Ranger Battalion in New Guinea and the Philippine Islands, where he met his future wife, Norma Lopez. Bill was mustered out of the Army, November 6, 1945. On December 1st, 1946, Bill and Norma were married at Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Sausalito. Bill worked for Western Electric and Standard Stations before settling into his 32 year career at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. Bill and Norma lived in Novato 53 years, where they raised their seven children and were active in the community. Bill was a member of VFW, Novato Seniors. Bill was active in the Lynwood School PTA, where he served two years as president, planted trees in the school yard, played volleyball and volunteered for many activities. He served as assistant Webelos leader with the Boy Scouts, was a member of the Monte Maria Improvement Club, volunteered at Pleasant Care Nursing Home, and entertained at other area nursing homes. His oldest son, Bill, recalled that our dad was a man who led his family with love through all the ups and downs. Our mother always held Dad up as an example of fatherhood, equating him with her own beloved father. Visitation will be at Keaton's Mortuary, Novato on Tuesday, October 21st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be celebrated at Keaton Mortuary, Novato on Wednesday, October 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow. Private interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to Margaret Todd Senior Center in Novato.
(Marin Independent Journal 10/21/2008)