William Basil Harris Jr.

William Basil Harris, Jr., and affectionately known as "Fraz" or "Billy Jr.", 73, of Ashland, passed peacefully and suddenly on February 9, 2017 surrounded by family. He was the son of the late William Basil Harris Sr. and Mildred Lowry Harris, having grown up in Montpelier, VA. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Wayne Harris. He worked as a Master Builder building custom homes. He was a previous member of the Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad for seven years and was a member of Old Dominion Historical Fire Society. His favorite pass times were debating politics with his grandson and discussing business ownership aspirations with his granddaughter. He had hands with a golden touch, there was nothing he could not do or repair. William is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Tignor Harris; daughter, Melody Harrison and son-in-law, Thomas Harrison; grandson, Nicholas Christopher Harrison; granddaughter, Kristen Nicole Harrison; sister, Rebecca Parks and brother-in-law, Michael Parks as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 12, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Nelsen Funeral Home - Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Highway, Ashland, VA 23005, where a funeral service will take place on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060. Online condolences may be registered at www.nelsenashland.com.