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William Harris
- Published: November 3, 2011
William Lee Harris was born on Aug. 16, 1916, in Yellow Springs. His parents were David Lee Harris and Bessie E. Perry Harris. His father worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, and William Lee, with his siblings, grew up in Calgary. He never forgot his love for the region, especially for Lake Louise. As a young man, he was a big band drummer who led an All-Girl’s Band.
When he returned to Ohio, William married Camilla Hunter, with whom he had two children and for years ran, successively, the Harris Appliance Store, H and H Electric, and Harris Bowling Lanes. Later they moved to Xenia, where they raised trotters. Between 1971 and 1981 he worked as an electrician in the museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. After Camilla’s death, William married Grace M. Harris, in 2003, with whom he enjoyed traveling, laughing and working with special friends and cousins, especially Kingsley Perry, John and Norleen Frazier, and Harry Shoop, and spending time with Grace’s family, Sandra and Michael Blum and their children, Michael, Richard and Jason and grandchildren, Crystal and Kaya.
William Lee Harris was the last of his generation. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Grace M. Harris; his son, William Joseph Harris, of Lawrence, Kans.; his daughter, Mary Alice Harris of Union City, Ohio, and his granddaughter, Kate Elizabeth Harris of New York City.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit Street, Xenia, with Rev. Donald Payne officiating. Interment to follow in Glen Forest Cemetery, Yellow Springs. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420 (937-256 9802). Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com.
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