Bill Harris, 88, of Alma, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at a local hospital. He was born April 14, 1929 in Alma to late Charlie and Nora Harris and was their fifth and last son. He continued to live in Alma until age 19, when he enlisted in the Navy, having already spent two years in the Naval Reserves.
Bill married Pat Shelton on May 27, 1952 and shortly after his Naval discharge, they moved to Okmulgee, OK so he could attend OSU State Tech. After he graduated in 1957, they moved to Muskogee, where they lived several years. He owned and operated a plumbing shop there.
During these years, they were blessed with two children, Steve in 1958 and Patti in 1965.
After the children were old enough to attend school, Pat completed her higher education and attained a Nursing degree in 1972. Shortly thereafter, they purchased a Nursing Home in Nowata, OK. They lived there several years and made many special friends. After the children were grown with one married, and one in college, they decided to move back to Alma so Bill could live close to his family and to renew old friendships.
Bill was a very outgoing guy with a great personality. He had many friends and never met a stranger. He really truly like and enjoyed people. He also loved and was very proud of his family.
They lost their beloved son, Steve, suddenly in 2000 from an MI, but he left behind a wonderful grandson, Wade, for the family to love and enjoy. Patti had also married during this time and precious Emily was their second grandchild.
Bill was a retired nursing home owner and administrator, and had also worked a few summers at the marina at Lake Fort Smith. He enjoyed the seasonal job, again meeting many wonderful people and making new friends. Bill was also a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner. He belonged to the Bedouin Temple in Muskogee, and the York Rite Lodge there. He was also a member of Mountain View Methodist Church in Alma. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Steve; two sisters, Joan and Marilyn; and three brothers, Bud, Tom, and Ted.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pat of the home; a daughter, Patti Reed of Little Rock; two grandchildren, Wade of Guam, and Emily of Little Rock; a brother, Bob of Fort Smith, and several nieces and nephews.
A family-hosted Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Mountain View Methodist Church in Alma. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to your favorite charity or to Mountain View Methodist Church at 9007 Hwy 282 N, Alma, AR 72921.
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