William Prichard Harris

The Rev. William “Bill” Prichard Harris, 96 passed away on August 2, 2025 in Arlington, VA. He had lived at Chesterbrook Residences, an assisted living care facility in the later years of his life. He was born May 26, 1929 in St. Louis, MO to Jewel and David Harris.

Rev. Harris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at William Jewel College and a Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Religious Education at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. In later years he earned a Master of Arts degree specializing in long-term care of the elderly.

He married Virginia “Dinny” Beth Dalton on December 29, 1949. They lived in Kansas City while Rev. Harris attended William Jewel and Central Seminary. Three of their sons, David, Bill, and Stanley, were born in Kansas City. Later a fourth son, Kenneth, was born in Colby, Kansas.

Rev. Harris’ first pastorate was at the Gem Baptist Church in Gem, KS followed by First Baptist Church in Pratt, Kansas. While a pastor in Kansas he was elected President of the Kansas Baptist Ministers Association. Rev. Harris was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Alexandria.

His ministry with the elderly members in these churches led him to accept a call to manage the Baptist Home of DC, a retirement and nursing care facility for low- and moderate-income elderly in Washington. DC. During his 37 years ministry with low-income elderly, he led in developing and managing five new facilities with over 700 apartments.

In Rev. Harris’ words: After eight years as a Baptist pastor the Lord called me to "do" more than just "preach." My inspiration came from Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, and His commandments to love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself. And more, His admonition to feed the hungry', welcome the stranger (house the homeless), clothe the naked. This led to 37 years managing and developing nonprofit retirement/assisted living/nursing care facilities for low- and moderate-income residents, and providing for their care and wellbeing.

Rev. Harris is survived by his wife of 75 years, Dinny; four sons, David, Bill, Stan, and Ken, three daughters-in-law, Cate, Denise, and Kelly, and five grandchildren, Gregory, Michael, Laura, Jay and Olivia.

There will be a private, family memorial service.