7405 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, Texas
WILLIAM S. HARRIS, 95. Born in Mayfield, Ky. Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Miriam Cutler Harris. He is survived by his sons W. Stokes Harris, Jr. and Henry C. Harris (Tamara) and daughter Sally H. Beam. Also by three grandchildren Leigh W. Harris (Gary Thompson), Blair B. Beam, and Bradley B. Beam, Jr. and twin great-granddaughters Charlotte and Julia Thompson.
Bill was the epitome of the "Greatest Generation," having been devoted to his faith, family and country. After graduation from the University of Kentucky, where he belonged to Phi Delta Theta fraternity, he served on the USS New Mexico in WWII Pacific theater, surviving numerous kamikaze attacks at Okinawa, and was present at the surrender of Japan ceremony. He remained in the naval reserve until his retirement, with the rank of Commander. He was a career US civil servant and retired in Dallas as the Chairman of the Federal Regional Council, a position to which he was appointed by presidents Richard Nixon (Kansas City) and Jimmy Carter (Dallas). Upon retirement from the government, he became a stock broker at First Dallas Securities.
He served his Christian faith as a deacon and elder at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife Miriam were active stewards of their faith through numerous charitable endeavors. Bill and Miriam enjoyed their golf and fellowship for many years as members of the Dallas Athletic Club. They traveled frequently with friends and family overseas and to visit them in the states. As a father and grandfather, he mentored social and academic disciplines and supported activities as diverse as sports, paper routes and dance team. He lived for five years after Miriam's death at Presbyterian Village North where thanks to Sally, attentive friends, staff and superlative caregivers he laughed every day and enjoyed the status of a celebrity as he went to exercise, socialize and therapy throughout Joyce Hall. A memorial service will be held after Easter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park.
2 Entries
April 20, 2017
Jan Clark
My deepest sympathies to Stokes, Henry ,Sally and family. I got to know Bill thru my visits with PHPC and working at PVN a few years ago.
He was a wonderful man! I loved and will miss him dearly! You are in my heart and prayers.
March 17, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. Our loving Creator invites us to approach Him in prayer, to pour out our hearts to Him. May He grant you peace strength and comfort during this time of sadness. Psalms 116:15
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Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225
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