William M. “Bill” Harris of Johns Creek passed away on January 14 at age 86. He was born in Farmville, VA, to the late William Madison and Ann Thackston Harris. He was a 1949 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA and a 1953 graduate of the College of William & Mary. Shortly after completing his studies at William & Mary, Bill was commissioned as an Ensign via the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. For the next several years, he served as a Junior Officer in USS ALSHAIN (AKA 55) and USS NEWPORT NEWS (CA 148). After transitioning to civilian life, Bill served for many years as Director of Human Resources at a number of financial institutions in VA, NC, and GA. In that role, he enjoyed recruiting and placing individuals in fulfilling and productive positions with those firms. In retirement, he enthusiastically assisted those in career transition whenever he had the chance to do so.
Growing up on London Street in Portsmouth, VA, Bill was an avid sailor from an early age. As a teenager, he spent many pleasant summers on the Elizabeth River at the Portsmouth Boat Club. As a young father living in Richmond with his growing family, he enjoyed sailing on the Piankatank River and Chesapeake Bay, where he was a member of the Fishing Bay Yacht Club. After Bill accepted a position with a bank in Rocky Mount, NC, he relished weekends on the Pamlico River. In his later years, he sailed frequently on Lake Lanier. He also enjoyed tennis, and was a regular on the courts when he lived in Dunwoody.
Bill served in leadership roles in many church, civic, and social organizations throughout his life. Among these were his service as Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA); as Commodore of the Fishing Bay Yacht Club; as Commander of the VFW Dunwoody Post; as Past President of the St. Andrews Society of Atlanta; as a member of the Burns Club of Atlanta.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nonnie Harris of Johns Creek; sons Clay Harris (Karen) of Virginia Beach, VA and Randy Harris (Carol Ann) of Winston Salem, NC; daughter Beth Harris of Milton; and grandchildren Will Anderson of Denver, CO, Caroline Anderson of Dublin, Ireland, Spencer Harris of Manassas, VA, Katherine Harris of Virginia Beach, VA, and Marshall and Morgan Harris of Winston Salem, NC. He is also survived by his sister, Beverley Harris Davis (Causey) of Richmond, VA; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Holly Harris Anderson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 19th, at 11 AM, with a reception following, at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.
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